Death Penalty Information Center

May 2010 FINAL

1500 registered voters
Christian
/Non- Non-
Total Catholic Catholic Christian
(n=1500) (n=347) (n=747) (n=406)
Gender of respondent
Male ........................................................................................... 48 49 46 51
Female ....................................................................................... 52 51 54 49
Region
New England................................................................................ 5 5 5 5
Middle Atlantic............................................................................ 14 21 10 15
East North Central ..................................................................... 17 16 16 19
West North Central ...................................................................... 7 7 8 6
South Atlantic ............................................................................. 20 15 24 17
East South Central....................................................................... 6 1 9 4
West South Central.................................................................... 11 12 12 8
Mountain ...................................................................................... 7 6 6 9
Pacific......................................................................................... 13 17 10 16
Death penalty states .................................................................. 76 68 81 76
Non-death penalty states ........................................................... 24 32 19 24

Hello. This is (caller name). I'm calling from National Opinion Surveys. We are conducting a public opinion
survey and I would like to ask you some questions. I am not selling anything, and I will not ask for a
contribution.

Could I please speak with the (MALE/FEMALE) in your household, 18 years or older, who celebrated a birthday
most recently?

First, are you registered to vote at this address?

IF NO, ASK FOR A FAMILY MEMBER WHO IS REGISTERED TO VOTE.

IF NONE, TERMINATE AND MARK TQ1 ON SAMPLE SHEET.

These days, state and local governments often have to make tough budgetary choices. For each one of the
following, please rate how high a priority it is for your state or local government on a scale of 0 to 10, where 10
means it is a very high priority, and 0 means it is not a high priority at all. If you are not sure, please say so.
Here’s the first one.
RD
[READ ITEM EVERY 3 QUESTION.] Rate how high a priority that should be from 0 to 10, where 10 means it
should be a very high priority, and 0 means it is not a high priority at all.

RANDOMIZE Q21-27

21. Schools and libraries

Mean......................................................................................... 8.6 8.5 8.5 8.7
10 – Priority ................................................................................ 50 48 49 54
8 – 9 ........................................................................................... 28 30 28 25
6 – 7 ............................................................................................. 9 9 9 10
5 – Neutral.................................................................................... 8 8 9 7
0 - 4 - Not a priority ...................................................................... 3 4 4 2
(Don't know) ............................................................................... 2 2 2 2
Death Penalty Information Center May 2010 Page 2
Christian
/Non- Non-
Total Catholic Catholic Christian
(n=1500) (n=347) (n=747) (n=406)

22. Public health care services.

Mean......................................................................................... 7.8 8.1 7.6 7.7
10 – Priority ................................................................................ 39 40 38 39
8 – 9 ........................................................................................... 25 28 24 23
6 – 7 ........................................................................................... 14 15 14 14
5 – Neutral.................................................................................. 10 9 10 10
0 - 4 - Not a priority .................................................................... 11 6 12 13
(Don't know) ............................................................................... 1 1 1 1
23. Emergency services like fire and rescue
Mean......................................................................................... 9.0 9.0 9.0 8.9
10 – Priority ................................................................................ 57 60 57 54
8 – 9 ........................................................................................... 27 25 27 29
6 – 7 ........................................................................................... 10 11 9 12
5 – Neutral.................................................................................... 3 2 3 3
0 - 4 - Not a priority ...................................................................... 2 2 2 2
(Don't know) ............................................................................... 1 1 0 0
24. Pursuing the death penalty
Mean......................................................................................... 5.4 4.8 5.9 5.1
10 – Priority ................................................................................ 19 14 22 20
8 – 9 ........................................................................................... 12 12 15 8
6 – 7 ........................................................................................... 12 12 14 9
5 – Neutral.................................................................................. 19 18 17 23
0 - 4 - Not a priority .................................................................... 33 40 27 37
(Don't know) ............................................................................... 4 4 4 3
25. Roads and transportation
Mean......................................................................................... 7.4 7.3 7.5 7.4
10 – Priority ................................................................................ 24 21 25 23
8 – 9 ........................................................................................... 28 29 28 28
6 – 7 ........................................................................................... 26 28 24 29
5 – Neutral.................................................................................. 14 13 14 13
0 - 4 - Not a priority ...................................................................... 7 8 7 7
(Don't know) ............................................................................... 1 1 1 0
26. Police and crime prevention
Mean......................................................................................... 8.7 8.8 8.7 8.5
10 – Priority ................................................................................ 50 51 51 46
8 – 9 ........................................................................................... 31 32 31 30
6 – 7 ........................................................................................... 12 8 11 16
5 – Neutral.................................................................................... 4 5 4 4
0 - 4 - Not a priority ...................................................................... 3 2 3 4
(Don't know) ............................................................................... 0 1 0 0
Death Penalty Information Center May 2010 Page 3
Christian
/Non- Non-
Total Catholic Catholic Christian
(n=1500) (n=347) (n=747) (n=406)

27. Creating jobs

Mean......................................................................................... 8.4 8.5 8.5 7.9
10 – Priority ................................................................................ 55 57 59 47
8 – 9 ........................................................................................... 19 19 19 18
6 – 7 ........................................................................................... 10 10 8 16
5 – Neutral.................................................................................... 6 6 6 7
0 - 4 - Not a priority ...................................................................... 8 8 7 11
(Don't know) ............................................................................... 1 1 1 1
28. SSA: I’m going to read four statements. Listen carefully, then please tell me which of them—number 1,
2, 3, or 4—is closest to your own view:

READ/DO NOT RANDOMIZE:

1. The penalty for murder should be the death penalty ............. 33 24 38 30
2. The penalty for murder should be life in prison with the
possibility of parole ................................................................... 9 11 8 12
3. The penalty for murder should be life in prison with no
possibility of parole ................................................................. 13 12 13 13
4. The penalty for murder should be life in prison with no
possibility of parole, and a requirement to work to make
restitution for the victim’s family.............................................. 39 46 37 38
(Don’t know/refused).................................................................. 6 7 5 7

29. SSB: I’m going to read four statements. Listen carefully, then please tell me which of them—number 1,
2, 3, or 4—is closest to your own view:
READ/DO NOT RANDOMIZE:
1. The penalty for murder should be the death penalty ............. 33 22 38 36
2. The penalty for murder should be life in prison with the
possibility of parole ................................................................. 12 11 11 14
3. The penalty for murder should permanent imprisonment...... 12 15 11 9
4. The penalty for murder should be permanent
imprisonment and a requirement to work to make
restitution for the victim’s family.............................................. 36 47 34 30
(Don’t know/refused).................................................................. 7 5 6 10
30. On a scale of 0 to 10, please tell me how much you would support replacing the death penalty with a
penalty of life in prison without possibility of parole? Ten means you would be extremely supportive,
and zero means you would not be supportive at all, and you can choose any number in between.
Mean ......................................................................................... 5.6 6.8 5.2 5.6
10 – Supportive .......................................................................... 25 36 21 24
8 – 9 ........................................................................................... 18 18 17 17
6 – 7 ........................................................................................... 10 10 9 11
5 – Neutral.................................................................................. 11 11 11 11
0 - 4 - Not supportive ................................................................. 33 21 38 33
(Don't know) ............................................................................... 4 4 3 4
Death Penalty Information Center May 2010 Page 4
Christian
/Non- Non-
Total Catholic Catholic Christian
(n=1500) (n=347) (n=747) (n=406)

ASK ONLY IN DEATH PENALTY STATES

31. If your state representative voted to repeal the death penalty in your state, would that make you more or
less likely to vote for him or her, or would it not make a difference? [IF MORE/LESS LIKELY ASK:] Is
that much more/less likely or somewhat more/less likely?
Much more likely ........................................................................ 16 19 12 21
Somewhat more likely.................................................................. 8 7 9 7
Somewhat less likely.................................................................... 8 11 10 4
Much less likely.......................................................................... 27 22 30 26
No difference.............................................................................. 38 38 37 40
(Don't know/refused) .................................................................. 2 3 2 3
More likely ................................................................................ 24 26 21 28
Less likely................................................................................. 35 33 39 30
ASK ONLY IN NON-DEATH PENALTY STATES
32. If your state representative voted to bring back the death penalty in your state, would that make you
more or less likely to vote for him or her, or would it not make a difference? [IF MORE/LESS LIKELY
ASK:] Is that much more/less likely or somewhat more/less likely?
Much more likely ........................................................................ 18 16 18 20
Somewhat more likely................................................................ 11 12 13 7
Somewhat less likely.................................................................... 6 6 6 6
Much less likely.......................................................................... 19 27 13 20
No difference.............................................................................. 43 36 47 45
(Don't know/refused) .................................................................. 3 3 3 2
More likely ................................................................................ 29 28 31 27
Less likely................................................................................. 25 33 19 26
RESUME ASKING ALL

Now, I'm going to read you some statements some people have made about the death penalty. For each one,
please rate how much you agree with that statement on a scale of 0 to 10, where 10 means you are in total
agreement, and 0 means you do not agree at all, and you can choose any number in between. If you are not
sure, please say so. Here’s the first one.
RD
[READ ITEM EVERY 3 QUESTION.] Give this statement a rating from 0 to 10, where 10 means you are in
total agreement, and 0 means you do not agree at all.
RANDOMIZE Q33-50

33. SSA: The death penalty carries too much risk of executing an innocent person.
Mean......................................................................................... 6.4 6.7 6.2 6.7
10 – Agreement ......................................................................... 26 26 22 34
8 – 9 ........................................................................................... 20 25 20 14
6 – 7 ........................................................................................... 14 10 16 13
5 – Neutral.................................................................................. 16 15 16 16
0 - 4 – Disagreement ................................................................. 23 23 25 21
(Don't know) ............................................................................... 1 1 1 1
Death Penalty Information Center May 2010 Page 5
Christian
/Non- Non-
Total Catholic Catholic Christian
(n=1500) (n=347) (n=747) (n=406)

34. SSB: I don’t trust politicians with the power to decide who lives and who dies.
Mean......................................................................................... 7.0 7.4 6.9 6.8
10 – Agreement ......................................................................... 38 37 39 37
8 – 9 ........................................................................................... 19 24 18 16
6 – 7 ............................................................................................. 9 9 7 13
5 – Neutral.................................................................................. 14 14 14 14
0 - 4 – Disagreement ................................................................. 18 13 20 19
(Don't know) ............................................................................... 2 3 2 1
35. SSA: I don’t trust the government with the power to decide who lives and who dies.
Mean......................................................................................... 6.4 6.7 6.1 6.6
10 – Agreement ......................................................................... 31 32 28 35
8 – 9 ........................................................................................... 15 17 15 12
6 – 7 ........................................................................................... 12 11 12 12
5 – Neutral.................................................................................. 16 17 17 13
0 - 4 – Disagreement ................................................................. 25 21 28 24
(Don't know) ............................................................................... 2 2 1 3
36. SSB: It’s not up to me to decide who lives and who dies.
Mean......................................................................................... 7.7 8.0 7.7 7.4
10 – Agreement ......................................................................... 52 56 52 50
8 – 9 ........................................................................................... 16 16 17 14
6 – 7 ............................................................................................. 7 6 7 8
5 – Neutral.................................................................................. 10 8 10 13
0 - 4 – Disagreement ................................................................. 14 13 14 15
(Don't know) ............................................................................... 1 1 1 2
37. SSA: With a sentence of life without parole, people at least have a chance to change while serving their
time.
Mean......................................................................................... 5.9 6.1 5.8 5.8
10 – Agreement ......................................................................... 25 27 22 28
8 – 9 ........................................................................................... 15 14 18 11
6 – 7 ........................................................................................... 14 14 16 11
5 – Neutral.................................................................................. 13 13 13 13
0 - 4 – Disagreement ................................................................. 31 28 30 35
(Don't know) ............................................................................... 1 2 1 1
38. SSB: With a sentence of life without parole, if new evidence of innocence emerges, the case can be
reopened.
Mean......................................................................................... 8.7 8.9 8.6 8.7
10 – Agreement ......................................................................... 66 71 63 68
8 – 9 ........................................................................................... 14 10 16 13
6 – 7 ............................................................................................. 8 7 8 7
5 – Neutral.................................................................................... 6 7 6 7
0 - 4 – Disagreement ................................................................... 5 4 6 5
(Don't know) ............................................................................... 1 0 1 0
Death Penalty Information Center May 2010 Page 6
Christian
/Non- Non-
Total Catholic Catholic Christian
(n=1500) (n=347) (n=747) (n=406)

39. The Death Penalty is against my moral beliefs

Mean......................................................................................... 4.7 5.9 4.2 4.8
10 – Agreement ......................................................................... 24 34 19 25
8 – 9 ........................................................................................... 11 15 10 10
6 – 7 ............................................................................................. 6 4 7 6
5 – Neutral.................................................................................. 12 12 13 12
0 - 4 – Disagreement ................................................................. 45 34 51 45
(Don't know) ............................................................................... 2 1 2 2
40. SSA: The death penalty system often discriminates on the basis of race.
Mean......................................................................................... 4.7 5.1 4.3 5.1
10 – Agreement ......................................................................... 19 20 16 21
8 – 9 ........................................................................................... 13 17 11 12
6 – 7 ............................................................................................. 9 10 10 9
5 – Neutral.................................................................................. 14 12 13 17
0 - 4 – Disagreement ................................................................. 43 39 47 39
(Don't know) ............................................................................... 3 2 3 3
41. SSB: The death penalty system often discriminates on the basis of race, and that is unfair.
Mean......................................................................................... 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.4
10 – Agreement ......................................................................... 24 22 23 27
8 – 9 ........................................................................................... 14 11 17 11
6 – 7 ........................................................................................... 10 14 8 9
5 – Neutral.................................................................................. 12 13 13 10
0 - 4 – Disagreement ................................................................. 36 34 36 36
(Don't know) ............................................................................... 5 6 3 8
42. SSA: We need the death penalty to deter murder and other heinous crimes.
Mean......................................................................................... 6.3 5.9 6.9 5.6
10 – Agreement ......................................................................... 35 34 38 28
8 – 9 ........................................................................................... 15 13 16 14
6 – 7 ........................................................................................... 11 7 12 11
5 – Neutral.................................................................................. 10 10 10 11
0 - 4 – Disagreement ................................................................. 28 35 22 34
(Don't know) ............................................................................... 1 1 1 1
43. SSB: We need the death penalty to show that there is a clear difference between right and wrong.
Mean......................................................................................... 5.6 4.4 6.2 5.6
10 – Agreement ......................................................................... 29 21 32 29
8 – 9 ........................................................................................... 12 11 14 11
6 – 7 ............................................................................................. 7 6 8 7
5 – Neutral.................................................................................. 14 13 13 16
0 - 4 – Disagreement ................................................................. 35 47 29 35
(Don't know) ............................................................................... 3 4 3 2
Death Penalty Information Center May 2010 Page 7
Christian
/Non- Non-
Total Catholic Catholic Christian
(n=1500) (n=347) (n=747) (n=406)

44. SSA: The death penalty would be cheaper, more efficient, and more effective if we used it more rather
than less.
Mean......................................................................................... 5.5 5.3 6.0 4.8
10 – Agreement ......................................................................... 24 24 26 21
8 – 9 ........................................................................................... 13 12 16 8
6 – 7 ........................................................................................... 12 12 13 11
5 – Neutral.................................................................................. 13 10 15 15
0 - 4 – Disagreement ................................................................. 33 39 27 41
(Don't know) ............................................................................... 4 3 4 5
45. SSB: The death penalty would be cheaper, more efficient, and more effective if we limited the number
of appeals.
Mean......................................................................................... 6.5 6.1 6.7 6.4
10 – Agreement ......................................................................... 34 32 33 35
8 – 9 ........................................................................................... 14 14 15 12
6 – 7 ........................................................................................... 11 11 11 9
5 – Neutral.................................................................................. 13 9 14 15
0 - 4 – Disagreement ................................................................. 23 29 20 25
(Don't know) ............................................................................... 5 4 7 4
46. The death penalty makes me personally feel safer.
Mean......................................................................................... 4.5 4.0 5.0 4.1
10 – Agreement ......................................................................... 19 15 22 17
8 – 9 ........................................................................................... 10 10 12 9
6 – 7 ............................................................................................. 9 6 9 10
5 – Neutral.................................................................................. 14 13 15 13
0 - 4 – Disagreement ................................................................. 46 54 41 51
(Don't know) ............................................................................... 1 1 1 1
47. If we’re going to have the death penalty, we need to take every precaution to make sure innocent
people are not executed.
Mean......................................................................................... 8.9 9.1 8.9 8.9
10 – Agreement ......................................................................... 71 74 70 72
8 – 9 ........................................................................................... 11 11 12 9
6 – 7 ............................................................................................. 7 6 7 9
5 – Neutral.................................................................................... 4 5 5 3
0 - 4 – Disagreement ................................................................... 5 3 5 6
(Don't know) ............................................................................... 1 1 1 1
48. With new technology like DNA evidence, we don’t have to worry about innocent people being wrongly
executed.
Mean......................................................................................... 5.9 5.9 6.0 5.5
10 – Agreement ......................................................................... 23 26 23 22
8 – 9 ........................................................................................... 16 16 17 15
6 – 7 ........................................................................................... 14 13 15 14
5 – Neutral.................................................................................. 15 14 15 15
0 - 4 – Disagreement ................................................................. 30 29 28 33
(Don't know) ............................................................................... 1 2 2 1
Death Penalty Information Center May 2010 Page 8
Christian
/Non- Non-
Total Catholic Catholic Christian
(n=1500) (n=347) (n=747) (n=406)

49. The death penalty is a wasteful big government program because it costs a lot of money and it is not
effective.
Mean......................................................................................... 4.8 5.6 4.5 4.8
10 – Agreement ......................................................................... 19 24 16 19
8 – 9 ........................................................................................... 11 14 10 11
6 – 7 ........................................................................................... 11 10 11 11
5 – Neutral.................................................................................. 13 13 14 12
0 - 4 – Disagreement ................................................................. 42 35 45 42
(Don't know) ............................................................................... 4 3 5 4
50. The death penalty does not deter murder because criminals don’t think about the punishment when
committing their crime.
Mean......................................................................................... 6.8 7.1 6.7 6.7
10 – Agreement ......................................................................... 37 40 36 34
8 – 9 ........................................................................................... 17 18 17 15
6 – 7 ........................................................................................... 12 10 12 13
5 – Neutral.................................................................................. 11 13 10 13
0 - 4 – Disagreement ................................................................. 21 18 23 21
(Don't know) ............................................................................... 2 2 2 4
SPLIT SAMPLE C
Now I am going to read you some facts about the death penalty in the United States. Please tell me
whether you find these facts totally believable, somewhat believable, somewhat unbelievable, or totally
unbelievable. REPEAT PROMPT AS NEEDED
(RANDOMIZE Q51 – Q58)
51. From sentencing to execution, the average appeal time of a death penalty case is 12 years, while a
person who receives life without parole starts serving the sentence immediately.
Totally unbelievable ..................................................................... 8 7 10 5
Somewhat unbelievable............................................................. 13 12 14 13
(Don’t know) ............................................................................. 12 13 10 16
Somewhat believable................................................................. 35 33 36 34
Totally believable ....................................................................... 32 36 30 33
Unbelievable............................................................................. 21 19 23 18
Believable ................................................................................. 67 68 66 66
52. Since 1973, 138 people have been released from death row after being exonerated of their crimes.
Totally unbelievable ..................................................................... 6 6 6 5
Somewhat unbelievable............................................................. 13 14 12 14
(Don’t know) ............................................................................. 13 13 13 13
Somewhat believable................................................................. 37 34 40 33
Totally believable ....................................................................... 31 33 29 34
Unbelievable............................................................................. 19 19 18 19
Believable ................................................................................. 68 67 69 68
Death Penalty Information Center May 2010 Page 9
Christian
/Non- Non-
Total Catholic Catholic Christian
(n=1500) (n=347) (n=747) (n=406)

53. Over the past 30 years, states in the South have accounted for 80 percent of all executions and have
the highest murder rate. States in the Northeast have accounted for less than 1 percent of all
executions and have the lowest murder rate.
Totally unbelievable ................................................................... 12 8 16 10
Somewhat unbelievable............................................................. 19 13 20 23
(Don’t know) ............................................................................. 19 24 17 16
Somewhat believable................................................................. 30 32 30 29
Totally believable ....................................................................... 19 23 17 21
Unbelievable............................................................................. 32 21 36 34
Believable ................................................................................. 49 55 47 50
54. SSA: Prosecuting and defending one death penalty case can cost as much as $3 million dollars.
Totally unbelievable ................................................................... 11 8 14 7
Somewhat unbelievable............................................................. 13 10 13 15
(Don’t know) ............................................................................. 15 15 13 17
Somewhat believable................................................................. 30 29 26 38
Totally believable ....................................................................... 32 38 33 23
Unbelievable............................................................................. 24 18 27 22
Believable ................................................................................. 61 67 59 61
55. SSB: Prosecuting and defending one death penalty case can cost as much as $3 million dollars. But
because only 1 in 10 cases results in an actual execution, the true cost to the state per execution is
about $30 million dollars, far more than the cost of a lifetime of incarceration.
Totally unbelievable ................................................................... 17 20 13 22
Somewhat unbelievable............................................................. 16 14 17 15
(Don’t know) ............................................................................. 14 14 15 13
Somewhat believable................................................................. 29 30 32 19
Totally believable ....................................................................... 25 21 23 32
Unbelievable............................................................................. 33 34 30 36
Believable ................................................................................. 53 52 55 51
56. In order, the top five countries in the world who recently executed the most people were China, followed
by Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Pakistan.
Totally unbelievable ..................................................................... 8 7 9 9
Somewhat unbelievable............................................................. 13 12 14 14
(Don’t know) ............................................................................. 18 18 17 18
Somewhat believable................................................................. 32 35 30 32
Totally believable ....................................................................... 29 28 30 28
Unbelievable............................................................................. 22 19 23 22
Believable ................................................................................. 61 63 60 60
Death Penalty Information Center May 2010 Page 10
Christian
/Non- Non-
Total Catholic Catholic Christian
(n=1500) (n=347) (n=747) (n=406)

57. Studies in states that have had the sentence of life without parole for a long time reveal that no one with
that sentence has been released from prison.
Totally unbelievable ................................................................... 14 15 14 12
Somewhat unbelievable............................................................. 23 18 26 21
(Don’t know) ............................................................................. 18 16 19 20
Somewhat believable................................................................. 30 38 26 30
Totally believable ....................................................................... 15 14 14 18
Unbelievable............................................................................. 37 33 40 33
Believable ................................................................................. 45 52 41 47
58. DNA evidence is only available in less than 20% of murder cases.
Totally unbelievable ................................................................... 15 16 15 13
Somewhat unbelievable............................................................. 22 21 22 23
(Don’t know) ............................................................................. 17 16 19 14
Somewhat believable................................................................. 29 29 26 35
Totally believable ....................................................................... 17 18 16 15
Unbelievable............................................................................. 37 37 38 36
Believable ................................................................................. 46 47 43 50

END SPLIT SAMPLE C SKIP TO Q67

SPLIT SAMPLE D
Now I am going to read you some facts about the death penalty in the United States. Please tell me
whether these facts raise serious doubts, some doubts, minor doubts, or no real doubts about the death
penalty in your own mind. REPEAT PROMPT AS NEEDED
(RANDOMIZE Q59 – Q66)
59. From sentencing to execution, the average appeal time of a death penalty case is 12 years, while a
person who receives life without parole starts serving the sentence immediately.
No real doubts............................................................................ 28 26 28 32
Minor doubts .............................................................................. 18 18 20 17
(Don’t know)............................................................................. 13 11 13 15
Some doubts.............................................................................. 24 27 25 19
Serious doubts ........................................................................... 16 18 15 18
No doubts ................................................................................. 47 44 48 48
Doubts....................................................................................... 40 45 39 37
60. Since 1973, 138 people have been released from death row after being exonerated of their crimes.
No real doubts............................................................................ 25 22 27 25
Minor doubts .............................................................................. 14 10 15 16
(Don’t know)............................................................................. 13 12 14 12
Some doubts.............................................................................. 27 30 25 27
Serious doubts ........................................................................... 22 26 20 20
No doubts ................................................................................. 39 32 41 41
Doubts....................................................................................... 48 57 45 47
Death Penalty Information Center May 2010 Page 11
Christian
/Non- Non-
Total Catholic Catholic Christian
(n=1500) (n=347) (n=747) (n=406)

61. Over the past 30 years, states in the South have accounted for 80 percent of all executions and have
the highest murder rate. States in the Northeast have accounted for less than 1 percent of all
executions and have the lowest murder rate.
No real doubts............................................................................ 23 20 26 22
Minor doubts .............................................................................. 15 14 15 15
(Don’t know)............................................................................. 17 14 18 18
Some doubts.............................................................................. 23 24 23 22
Serious doubts ........................................................................... 22 28 18 23
No doubts ................................................................................. 38 34 41 37
Doubts....................................................................................... 45 52 41 45
62. SSA: Prosecuting and defending one death penalty case can cost as much as $3 million dollars.
No real doubts............................................................................ 21 23 19 22
Minor doubts .............................................................................. 18 13 23 14
(Don’t know)............................................................................. 14 12 14 16
Some doubts.............................................................................. 20 23 18 23
Serious doubts ........................................................................... 27 29 27 25
No doubts ................................................................................. 39 36 42 36
Doubts....................................................................................... 48 52 45 48
63. SSB: Prosecuting and defending one death penalty case can cost as much as $3 million dollars. But
because only 1 in 10 cases results in an actual execution, the true cost to the state per execution is
about $30 million dollars, far more than the cost of a lifetime of incarceration.
No real doubts............................................................................ 18 14 19 20
Minor doubts .............................................................................. 15 15 16 13
(Don’t know)............................................................................. 12 11 14 11
Some doubts.............................................................................. 24 23 27 21
Serious doubts ........................................................................... 31 37 25 35
No doubts ................................................................................. 33 28 34 34
Doubts....................................................................................... 55 61 52 56
64. In order, the top five countries in the world who recently executed the most people were China, followed
by Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Pakistan.
No real doubts............................................................................ 29 28 29 30
Minor doubts .............................................................................. 17 17 16 17
(Don’t know)............................................................................. 17 13 19 19
Some doubts.............................................................................. 21 23 21 21
Serious doubts ........................................................................... 16 19 15 14
No doubts ................................................................................. 45 45 45 46
Doubts....................................................................................... 37 42 36 35
Death Penalty Information Center May 2010 Page 12
Christian
/Non- Non-
Total Catholic Catholic Christian
(n=1500) (n=347) (n=747) (n=406)

65. Studies in states that have had the sentence of life without parole for a long time reveal that no one with
that sentence has been released from prison.
No real doubts............................................................................ 22 24 21 22
Minor doubts .............................................................................. 20 17 23 19
(Don’t know)............................................................................. 17 17 18 17
Some doubts.............................................................................. 27 24 26 32
Serious doubts ........................................................................... 13 18 12 10
No doubts ................................................................................. 42 41 44 40
Doubts....................................................................................... 40 42 38 42
66. DNA evidence is only available in less than 20% of murder cases.
No real doubts............................................................................ 18 18 18 19
Minor doubts .............................................................................. 16 13 18 16
(Don’t know)............................................................................. 16 15 17 14
Some doubts.............................................................................. 26 26 25 28
Serious doubts ........................................................................... 24 28 22 23
No doubts ................................................................................. 34 31 36 34
Doubts....................................................................................... 50 54 48 51

END SPLIT SAMPLE D SKIP TO Q67

RESUME ASKING ALL

67. Would you favor or oppose replacing the death penalty with a penalty of life in prison with no possibility
of parole if the money saved were used to fund crime prevention measures? [IF FAVOR/OPPOSE
ASK:] Is that strongly favor/oppose or somewhat favor/oppose?
Strongly favor............................................................................. 44 50 42 43
Somewhat favor ......................................................................... 21 22 20 21
Somewhat oppose ....................................................................... 9 9 10 7
Strongly oppose ......................................................................... 21 15 23 23
(Don't know/refused) .................................................................. 5 6 5 6
Favor ......................................................................................... 65 71 62 65
Oppose...................................................................................... 30 23 33 29
Death Penalty Information Center May 2010 Page 13
Christian
/Non- Non-
Total Catholic Catholic Christian
(n=1500) (n=347) (n=747) (n=406)

Now, I'm going to read you some statements people have made in support of replacing the death penalty with a
sentence of life in prison with no possibility of parole. Please tell me whether each statement I read is a VERY
convincing, SOMEWHAT convincing, NOT TOO convincing, or not AT ALL convincing reason to replace the
death penalty with a sentence of life in prison with no possibility of parole. If you are not sure how you feel about
a particular item, please say so.
PROMPT EVERY THIRD STATEMENT: Is that a VERY convincing, SOMEWHAT convincing, NOT TOO
convincing, or not AT ALL convincing reason to support replacing the death penalty with a sentence of life in
prison with no possibility of parole?
RANDOMIZE LIST Q68-78
[Cost]
68. SSA: By the time the costs of all the trials and appeals are taken into account, the death penalty costs
more than imprisoning a criminal for life. The death penalty is a huge government program that has
bogged down law enforcement and wasted millions of dollars that could be used for many other
purposes. States are cutting back on police forces, shutting libraries and schools, and public hospitals
are closing emergency rooms, and yet we are spending millions of dollars on a death penalty system
when lifetime imprisonment with no parole would cost less.
Very convincing.......................................................................... 30 34 27 31
Somewhat convincing ................................................................ 38 45 36 35
Not too convincing ..................................................................... 13 10 13 17
Not at all convincing................................................................... 16 10 20 13
(Don't know/refused) .................................................................. 3 2 4 3
Very /somewhat convincing ................................................... 68 79 63 67
Not very /not at all convincing................................................ 29 19 33 31
[Cost w/restitution]
69. SSB: By the time the costs of all the trials and appeals are taken into account, the death penalty costs
more than imprisoning a criminal for life. The death penalty is a huge government program that has
bogged down law enforcement and wasted millions of dollars that could be used for many other
purposes. States are cutting back on police forces, shutting libraries and schools, and public hospitals
are closing emergency rooms, and yet we are spending millions of dollars on a death penalty system
when lifetime imprisonment with no parole would cost less. Keep these criminals in prison for life and
have them work and pay restitution to the victims’ families.
Very convincing.......................................................................... 32 35 30 35
Somewhat convincing ................................................................ 37 42 37 32
Not too convincing ..................................................................... 14 11 18 11
Not at all convincing................................................................... 13 9 13 17
(Don't know/refused) .................................................................. 3 3 3 5
Very /somewhat convincing ................................................... 69 77 67 68
Not very /not at all convincing................................................ 27 20 30 27
Death Penalty Information Center May 2010 Page 14
Christian
/Non- Non-
Total Catholic Catholic Christian
(n=1500) (n=347) (n=747) (n=406)

[Victims’ Families w/restitution]

70. SSA: Many victims’ family members say every time there is a court hearing, a conviction, or an appeal,
the focus is on the defendant, but the family still has to go through their pain again and again. It's very,
very hard for the families. It reopens the wounds each time. When we condemn people to life without
parole instead, family members will not be subjected to years of court hearings, and they can turn to the
process of healing. If we replaced the death penalty with a sentence of life without parole with labor and
restitution, we could use the money to help provide counseling services to victims’ families.
Very convincing.......................................................................... 33 39 32 30
Somewhat convincing ................................................................ 36 34 35 38
Not too convincing ..................................................................... 16 13 17 16
Not at all convincing................................................................... 13 12 15 11
(Don't know/refused) .................................................................. 2 2 1 4
Very /somewhat convincing ................................................... 69 73 67 69
Not very /not at all convincing................................................ 29 25 31 27
[Victims’ Families]
71. SSB: Many victims’ family members say every time there is a court hearing, a conviction, or an appeal,
the focus is on the defendant, but the family still has to go through their pain again and again. It's very,
very hard for the families. It reopens the wounds each time. When we condemn people to life without
parole instead, family members will not be subjected to years of court hearings, and they can turn to the
process of healing.
Very convincing.......................................................................... 32 35 28 35
Somewhat convincing ................................................................ 37 35 39 35
Not too convincing ..................................................................... 15 13 18 12
Not at all convincing................................................................... 13 13 13 14
(Don't know/refused) .................................................................. 3 4 3 3
Very /somewhat convincing ................................................... 68 70 67 70
Not very /not at all convincing................................................ 28 26 30 27
[Innocence]
72. The death penalty risks executing the innocent. Many innocent people have been sent to our nation’s
death rows before new evidence freed them and some innocent people may have been executed. It is
unacceptable to execute innocent people, and in a system run by human beings that’s inevitable.
Executing innocent people is a risk we can completely avoid by using sentences of life with no
possibility of parole.
Very convincing.......................................................................... 33 35 29 39
Somewhat convincing ................................................................ 38 39 38 35
Not too convincing ..................................................................... 13 12 14 12
Not at all convincing................................................................... 13 13 15 10
(Don't know/refused) .................................................................. 3 2 3 4
Very /somewhat convincing ................................................... 71 74 68 74
Not very /not at all convincing................................................ 26 24 29 23
Death Penalty Information Center May 2010 Page 15
Christian
/Non- Non-
Total Catholic Catholic Christian
(n=1500) (n=347) (n=747) (n=406)

[Libertarian]
73. SSA: The death penalty is the worst of all the big government programs. It costs hundreds of millions
of dollars, has shown no evidence of being an effective deterrent or keeping society safer, and is too big
a role for the government to be taking. We should get rid of the death penalty, shrink the government
and give that wasted money back to the taxpayers.
Very convincing.......................................................................... 28 34 25 29
Somewhat convincing ................................................................ 29 29 28 30
Not too convincing ..................................................................... 16 13 17 17
Not at all convincing................................................................... 24 21 27 21
(Don't know/refused) .................................................................. 4 4 3 4
Very /somewhat convincing ................................................... 56 63 52 58
Not very /not at all convincing................................................ 40 34 44 38
[Not a deterrent]
74. SSB: The death penalty is not a deterrent, and we don’t need it. States without the death penalty have
lower murder rates than states with it. Murders happen either in the heat of the moment, or when
someone thinks they can get away with it. Criminals don’t think about the chance of getting the death
penalty when they’re committing a crime. Instead, we should use our resources on getting violent
criminals off the street and using life without parole for the worst cases.
Very convincing.......................................................................... 29 34 24 33
Somewhat convincing ................................................................ 31 31 34 27
Not too convincing ..................................................................... 18 16 19 19
Not at all convincing................................................................... 18 17 19 17
(Don't know/refused) .................................................................. 4 2 5 4
Very /somewhat convincing ................................................... 60 65 58 60
Not very /not at all convincing................................................ 36 33 38 36
[Moral]
75. SSA: Human life is the most precious thing in the world, and we need to respect it. The death penalty
offers the tragic illusion that we can defend life by taking life. In reality, the death penalty diminishes all
of us. Every life has value, and sometimes even the worst criminals can change and become better
people after years in prison. Killing is wrong, no matter who does it.
Very convincing.......................................................................... 28 33 24 30
Somewhat convincing ................................................................ 32 37 30 32
Not too convincing ..................................................................... 18 11 21 20
Not at all convincing................................................................... 19 17 21 15
(Don't know/refused) .................................................................. 3 3 3 4
Very /somewhat convincing ................................................... 60 70 54 62
Not very /not at all convincing................................................ 37 27 43 34
Death Penalty Information Center May 2010 Page 16
Christian
/Non- Non-
Total Catholic Catholic Christian
(n=1500) (n=347) (n=747) (n=406)

[Moral w/faith]
76. SSB: Human life is the most precious thing in the world, and we need to respect it. The death penalty
offers the tragic illusion that we can defend life by taking life. In reality, the death penalty diminishes all
of us. Every life has value, and sometimes even the worst criminals can change and become better
people after years in prison. Our faiths teach us that “thou shalt not kill” and that vengeance is God’s
and God’s alone. Killing is wrong, no matter who does it.
Very convincing.......................................................................... 30 37 23 36
Somewhat convincing ................................................................ 30 26 35 22
Not too convincing ..................................................................... 20 13 22 23
Not at all convincing................................................................... 18 20 17 16
(Don't know/refused) .................................................................. 3 3 3 2
Very /somewhat convincing ................................................... 59 63 58 58
Not very /not at all convincing................................................ 38 34 39 40
[Unfairness]
77. SSA: Our criminal justice system should treat all people equally, regardless of how much money they
make, where they live, or the color of their skin. In reality, the death penalty is applied unevenly and
unfairly, even for similar crimes. Some people are sentenced to die because they couldn’t afford a
better lawyer, or because they live in a county that seeks the death penalty a lot. A system that is so
arbitrary should not be allowed to choose who lives and who dies.
Very convincing.......................................................................... 37 43 33 37
Somewhat convincing ................................................................ 32 38 29 31
Not too convincing ..................................................................... 15 9 18 17
Not at all convincing................................................................... 12 8 16 10
(Don't know/refused) .................................................................. 4 2 4 5
Very /somewhat convincing ................................................... 69 81 63 68
Not very /not at all convincing................................................ 28 17 33 27
[Unfairness w/race]
78. SSB: The death penalty is particularly unfair along racial lines. Those who kill a white victim are much
more likely to face the death penalty than those who kill a black victim. A system that seems to value
some lives more because of race should not be deciding who lives and who dies.
Very convincing.......................................................................... 29 29 27 32
Somewhat convincing ................................................................ 30 38 30 24
Not too convincing ..................................................................... 16 10 17 20
Not at all convincing................................................................... 21 18 22 20
(Don't know/refused) .................................................................. 4 5 4 4
Very /somewhat convincing ................................................... 59 67 57 56
Not very /not at all convincing................................................ 37 28 39 40
Death Penalty Information Center May 2010 Page 17
Christian
/Non- Non-
Total Catholic Catholic Christian
(n=1500) (n=347) (n=747) (n=406)

79. Sometimes in a survey like this, people change their minds. On a scale of 0 to 10, please tell me how
much you would support replacing the death penalty with a penalty of life in prison without possibility of
parole? Ten means you would be extremely supportive, and zero means you would not be supportive
at all, and you can choose any number in between.

Mean ......................................................................................... 5.9 6.7 5.6 5.7

10 – Supportive .......................................................................... 27 33 23 26
8 – 9 ........................................................................................... 19 20 18 18
6 – 7 ........................................................................................... 12 13 12 9
5 – Neutral.................................................................................. 11 9 13 10
0 - 4 - Not supportive ................................................................. 29 22 31 32
(Don't know) ............................................................................... 3 3 2 5

Now I am going to ask you a few questions for statistical purposes only.

80. Generally speaking, do you think of yourself as a Democrat, a Republican, an independent, or

something else? (IF "DEMOCRAT" OR "REPUBLICAN," ASK:) Would you call yourself a strong
(Democrat/Republican) or not a very strong (Democrat/Republican)? (IF "NOT SURE," CODE AS
"NOT VERY STRONG") (IF "INDEPENDENT," ASK:) Do you think of yourself as closer to the
Republican Party, closer to the Democratic Party, or do you think of yourself as strictly independent?
(IF "NOT SURE," CODE AS "STRICTLY INDEPENDENT.")

Strong Democrat........................................................................ 25 27 24 23
Not very strong Democrat ............................................................ 6 5 7 6
Independent/lean Democrat......................................................... 6 6 5 9
Democrat .................................................................................. 37 38 36 37
Strictly independent ................................................................ 27 27 25 31
Republican................................................................................ 31 30 35 23
Independent/lean Republican ...................................................... 9 8 10 7
Not very strong Republican.......................................................... 5 9 5 3
Strong Republican ..................................................................... 17 14 21 12
Other ............................................................................................ 3 3 2 4
(Not sure/nothing) ...................................................................... 2 2 2 5

81. In terms of politics, do you consider yourself VERY liberal, SOMEWHAT liberal, MODERATE,
somewhat CONSERVATIVE, or VERY conservative?

Very liberal ................................................................................. 11 10 9 14

Somewhat liberal ....................................................................... 14 14 12 17
Liberal ....................................................................................... 24 25 21 31
Moderate ................................................................................... 30 36 30 28
Conservative ............................................................................ 40 36 45 33
Somewhat conservative............................................................. 19 21 21 16
Very conservative ...................................................................... 21 15 25 17
(Don’t know)............................................................................... 5 4 4 8
Death Penalty Information Center May 2010 Page 18
Christian
/Non- Non-
Total Catholic Catholic Christian
(n=1500) (n=347) (n=747) (n=406)

82. How old are you? (IF REFUSED, ASK:) Well, would you tell me which age group you belong to?
(READ LIST.)

18-24 ............................................................................................ 8 11 6 8
25-29 ............................................................................................ 9 8 8 11
30-34 ............................................................................................ 5 5 5 6
35-39 .......................................................................................... 11 13 10 9
40-44 ............................................................................................ 6 5 6 8
45-49 .......................................................................................... 11 8 11 12
50-54 ............................................................................................ 8 6 9 10
55-59 ............................................................................................ 8 9 9 6
60-64 .......................................................................................... 10 11 10 8
65-69 ............................................................................................ 6 5 6 6
70-74 ............................................................................................ 4 5 5 3
75 and older ............................................................................... 11 9 13 8
(Refused) ................................................................................... 3 3 2 4

83. What is the last year of schooling that you have completed? (DO NOT READ LIST.)

1st through 11th grade................................................................. 7 10 6 6

High school graduate ................................................................. 25 27 26 20
Non-college post-high school (e.g., technical school) ................. 3 2 3 3
Some college ............................................................................. 26 25 26 25
College graduate........................................................................ 29 26 30 29
Postgraduate school .................................................................. 10 9 8 14
Not sure...................................................................................... 1 1 0 2

84. Just to make sure we have a representative sample, could you please tell me whether you are from a
Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish-speaking background? [IF “NO”, ASK:] What is your race--white, black,
Asian, American Indian, or something else?
DO NOT READ
White/Caucasian ........................................................................ 74 70 76 72
Black/African American.............................................................. 13 4 17 13
Hispanic/Latino .......................................................................... 10 23 5 7
Asian/Pacific Islander................................................................... 1 1 0 3
Native American/American Indian ............................................... 0 0 0 1
(Other)........................................................................................ 1 1 1 2
(Don't know/refused) .................................................................. 1 1 0 2
85. What is your religion?
Protestant (includes Baptist, Lutheran,
Methodist, Episcopal, Presbyterian and other
Christians)......................................................GO TO Q86..... 50 0 100 0
Catholic .............................................................GO TO Q86..... 24 100 0 0
Jewish .......................................................................................... 3 0 0 11
Muslim.......................................................................................... 0 0 0 1
Mormon, Latter Day Saints, LDS ................................................. 1 0 0 4
Other ............................................................................................ 7 0 0 28
None........................................................................................... 11 0 0 40
(Don’t know/refused).................................................................. 4 0 0 16
Death Penalty Information Center May 2010 Page 19
Christian
/Non- Non-
Total Catholic Catholic Christian
(n=1500) (n=347) (n=747) (n=406)

ASK ONLY IF PROTESTANT OR CATHOLIC Q85 = 1 OR 2

86. Do you think of yourself as a born again or evangelical Christian, or would you not describe yourself
that way?
Born-again/evangelical Christian ............................................... 35 13 46
NOT born again ......................................................................... 48 64 40
(Don't know) ............................................................................. 11 14 9
(Refused) ................................................................................... 6 10 5
87. On average, how often would you say you attend church or religious services – once a week or more,
once or twice a month, several times a year, hardly ever, or never?
Every week or more ................................................................... 41 46 48 22
Once or twice a month ............................................................... 18 19 21 11
Several times a year .................................................................. 14 16 15 11
Hardly ever................................................................................. 13 13 11 16
Never.......................................................................................... 11 4 4 29
(Don't know) ............................................................................... 4 2 1 11
88. What is your zip code? ....................................................................................__________________

89. [RECORD RESPONDENT’S FIRST NAME FOR VERIFICATION]...............__________________

That concludes my interview today. Thank you for your time and cooperation.