The US carried out 23 executions in 2017, its second lowest number since 1991 and a far cry from the 98 executions in 1999. Just eight states performed the executions, while the death penalty is allowed in 31 states. Just 55 percent of Americans say they support the death penalty, according to a Gallup poll — the lowest share in 45 years. The controversies over injections are pushing states to consider returning to the electric chair or exploring new methods of execution. In a controversial move the state of Mississippi in the spring legalized using nitrogen gas chambers if lethal injections are not possible.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 14, 2017 05:37 UTC