Court TV Library

Washington and the Death Penalty

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

Washington authorizes both lethal injection and hanging. Lethal injection will be used if the inmate fails to choose a method.

Minimum age for death penalty: 18

Washington forbids the execution of the mentally retarded.

Executions 1930-1976: 48

Executions since 1977: 2

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