Capital punishment in South Dakota

Capital punishment is legal in the U.S. state of South Dakota

Current development

South Dakota Legislature passed a new death penalty statute, which went to effect due to signature of Governor Bill Janklow (first act he signed in office) on January 1, 1979 [http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/state/ Death Penalty Information Center ] ] .

Crimes punishable to death

First-degree murder with 1 of 10 aggravating circumstances is the only capital crime in South Dakota [http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/article.php?did=144&scid=10 Crimes Punishable by the Death Penalty ] ] [ [http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/article.php?&did=2356 Aggravating Factors For Capital Punishment By State ] ] . In 2006 possible death sentence for aggravated kidnapping was eliminated.

entencing, death row and clemency

Death sentence is to determine by jury and Life Without Parole is an option.

Currently three men are awaiting execution on death row, located in Sioux Falls.

Governor may grant commutation of death sentence with a non-binding recommendation from the Board. As of 2008 no commutation was granted [ [http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/article.php?did=126&scid=13 Clemency ] ] .

Method of execution

Lethal injection is the sole method of execution in South Dakota [ [http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/article.php?scid=8&did=245 Methods of Execution ] ] .

Individual executed by the State of South Dakota since 1976

Only one person was executed (voluntary) by the State of South Dakota in modern post-Furman period. It was administered by lethal injection. [ [http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/executions.php Death Penalty Information Center ] ]

References