Death Row Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Death Row, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Death Row?

History and Meaning of Death Row

Death Row is a term used to describe a section of prison that houses individuals who have been sentenced to death for committing serious crimes. The history of the term can be traced back to the 19th century, when capital punishment was widely accepted as a form of criminal justice. Death Row refers to the area within the prison where those who have been sentenced to death are housed.

Examples of Death Row

1. John Doe was sentenced to 20 years on Death Row after being convicted of multiple counts of murder.
2. Mary Smith is currently awaiting her appeal on Death Row, where she has been for the past two years.
3. The prison's Death Row section has been criticized by human rights organizations for its inhumane conditions.
4. The state governor has the power to grant clemency to prisoners on Death Row in certain circumstances.
5. The Death Row population in the United States has been slowly declining in recent years due to shifts in public opinion on capital punishment.

Legal Terms Similar to Death Row

1. Capital Punishment - the use of the death penalty as punishment for a crime.
2. Execution - the act of putting someone to death as a lawful punishment.
3. Sentencing - the process by which a judge determines a punishment for a convicted criminal.