Court TV Library

Tennessee and the Death Penalty

Tennessee allows the death penalty as an option in cases of first-degree murder.

Tennessee authorizes lethal injection for those sentenced after January 1, 1999. As of May 3, 1998, those currently on death row will choose between the electric chair and lethal injection.

Minimum age for death penalty: 18

Tennessee forbids the execution of the mentally retarded.

Executions 1930-1976: 93

Executions since 1977: 0


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