The death penalty has been used for as long as recorded history, but is it morally acceptable? Capital punishment can deter crime, but at the same time it can also be considered cruel and unusual punishment. Questions about the constitutionality of the death penalty have reduced the number of executions, but have filled death row with inmates. Many people support the death penalty, even though it is an extremely controversial issue. Capital punishment sparks debate about racial bias and does not deter crime; it also kills many innocent people. Capital punishment has existed for over three hundred years in the United States. It has been a notorious affair for as long as it has been established. This form of law includes three phases. First, the colonial era, which corresponds to the first years of the new nation. This was one of the most widespread and uncontested uses of capital punishment for major crimes (banner 1). The next phase was the 19th century, which was a long period of decline in the use of capital punishment, and the courts abolished all laws relating to the death penalty. Finally, the third phase, which took place in the early and mid-20th century, began with enormous support for the reinstatement of capital punishment (banner 2). The death penalty was frequently imposed but rarely applied. “Between 1967 and 1980, death sentences or convictions were overturned for 1,899 of the 2,402 people on death row, a reversal rate of nearly 80 percent” (Greenberg 2). “By 1800, more than two hundred capital crimes were recognized and, as a result, 1,000 or more people were sentenced to death each year, although most sentences were pardoned” (McCuen and Baumgart 38). Reversals of death penalty verdicts happen all the time. “One in ten murderers was sentenced to death in 1967, the rest served prison sentences” (Stevens 10). Since executions were reinstated in 1977, there have been a total of 432 executions. Texas leads by far with the most executions - 143. "There are currently 38 out of 50 states that allow the death penalty in their law" (World Book Encyclopedia 193). By 1990, more than 2,000 people had been sentenced to death and were awaiting the outcome of their appeals (World Book Encyclopedia 194). Of the 365 men sentenced to death, there are 130 blacks; 217 white; 18 others. There are six women on death row (Creative Ideas 2). “Studies have shown no unusual increase in murder when punishment is abolished” (World Book Encyclopedia 193).