What is the federal criminal justice system's approach to the death penalty?

The federal criminal justice system’s approach to the death penalty is a controversial topic. The death penalty is a punishment available for certain crimes, mostly homicides, that are deemed to be of the most heinous nature. In Washington, the federal criminal justice system’s approach is strict and very limited in its use. The circumstances under which the death penalty can be imposed are outlined in federal statutes and can only be imposed by a federal court after a trial and conviction. To be eligible for the death penalty in Washington, the crime must involve premeditated murder, killing a law enforcement officer, or terrorism and the defendant must have been found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of one of these crimes. When deciding the punishment for eligible crimes, the Federal Government considers the circumstances surrounding the crime, including the defendant’s criminal history, as well as the wishes of the victim’s family. If the federal criminal justice system decides to impose the death penalty, all appeals must be exhausted before it can be carried out. The death penalty is a controversial topic in the United States and for Washington, the federal criminal justice system has a strict and limited approach to the death penalty. The circumstances of the crime and defendant must meet very specific criteria and all appeals must be exhausted before it is carried out.

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What is the federal criminal justice system's approach to the death penalty?

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