How does the U.S. justice system handle cases involving the death penalty?

In the United States, the death penalty is a legal punishment for certain crimes. The process of handling cases involving the death penalty begins with the investigation and trial of the accused. If the accused is found guilty and sentenced to death, the case enters the appeals process, which can last for several years or even decades.

During the appeals process, the defendant and their attorneys can challenge the conviction and the sentence on a number of grounds, including the validity of evidence and whether the trial was fair. If the appeals process is unsuccessful, the case may proceed to the clemency process, during which the governor or other executive officials may grant a reprieve, commutation of sentence, or pardon.

Execution is typically carried out by lethal injection, although other methods such as electrocution and firing squad are still legal in some states. However, there is ongoing debate over the constitutionality and morality of the death penalty, with opponents arguing that it is cruel and unusual punishment and does not effectively deter crime.