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As of May 12th, 2016, how many jurisdictions in the US have capital punishment statutes?

  1. 49

  2. 33

  3. 19

  4. 26

The correct answer is: 33

As of May 12th, 2016, the correct answer is that 33 jurisdictions in the United States have capital punishment statutes. This number reflects the states that retain the death penalty as a legal form of punishment for certain crimes, primarily murder, and the federal government at that time. Understanding the dynamics of capital punishment laws involves recognizing that while some states actively carry out executions, others may have a moratorium in place or have abolished the death penalty altogether. The number 33 signifies that a majority of states still had provisions for capital punishment, despite ongoing debates and legal challenges surrounding its use. This figure is important for discussions about the trends in criminal justice, the political landscape regarding the death penalty, and issues of morality and efficacy in punishing severe crimes.