---
title: 'Poll Finds Waning Support for Death Penalty'
description: 'According to a recent poll conducted by the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute, only 62% of respondents support capital punishment for persons…'
canonical: 'https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/poll-finds-waning-support-for-death-penalty'
section: news
date: '2004-12-21T15:42:25-05:00'
updated: '2025-03-14T14:23:45-04:00'
source: 'Death Penalty Information Center'
---

According to a recent poll conducted by the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute, only 62% of respondents support capital punishment for persons convicted of murder, and **Americans prefer the sentencing option of life without parole** when given the choice. Overall support for capital punishment has fallen since Quinnipiac's poll in June 2004, when support registered 65%. Similar shifts in public opinion found growing support for life-without-parole sentences. In the December poll when respondents were given a choice, only 42% supported capital punishment while 46% supported life without parole. (Quinnipiac University Polling Institute, December 18, 2004). Other national polls have also noted a decrease in public support for the death penalty. The 62% support reported here is one of the lowest levels in recent years. See [Public Opinion](/public-opinion-about-death-penalty?did=209&scid=23) and [Life Without Parole](/life-without-parole?did=555&scid=59).