The History of the Death Penalty

Description: This quiz will test your knowledge about the history of the death penalty.
Number of Questions: 14
Created by:
Tags: history law justice capital punishment
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When was the death penalty first used?

  1. Ancient Greece

  2. Ancient Rome

  3. Medieval Europe

  4. Colonial America


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The death penalty was first used in ancient Greece, where it was considered a just punishment for certain crimes.

What was the most common method of execution in ancient Rome?

  1. Crucifixion

  2. Beheading

  3. Hanging

  4. Stoning


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Crucifixion was the most common method of execution in ancient Rome, and it was used for a variety of crimes, including murder, treason, and robbery.

What was the primary method of execution in medieval Europe?

  1. Hanging

  2. Burning at the stake

  3. Drowning

  4. Quartering


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Hanging was the primary method of execution in medieval Europe, and it was used for a variety of crimes, including murder, theft, and heresy.

What was the most common method of execution in colonial America?

  1. Hanging

  2. Firing squad

  3. Electrocution

  4. Lethal injection


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Hanging was the most common method of execution in colonial America, and it was used for a variety of crimes, including murder, treason, and piracy.

When was the death penalty abolished in the United Kingdom?

  1. 1965

  2. 1970

  3. 1975

  4. 1980


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The death penalty was abolished in the United Kingdom in 1965.

When was the death penalty abolished in Canada?

  1. 1976

  2. 1980

  3. 1985

  4. 1990


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The death penalty was abolished in Canada in 1976.

When was the death penalty abolished in the United States?

  1. 1972

  2. 1976

  3. 1980

  4. 1984


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The death penalty was abolished in the United States in 1972, but it was reinstated in 1976.

How many countries currently have the death penalty?

  1. 56

  2. 67

  3. 78

  4. 89


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

As of 2023, there are 56 countries that currently have the death penalty.

What is the most common method of execution in the world today?

  1. Hanging

  2. Firing squad

  3. Electrocution

  4. Lethal injection


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Lethal injection is the most common method of execution in the world today.

What are the arguments in favor of the death penalty?

  1. It deters crime.

  2. It is a just punishment for certain crimes.

  3. It saves taxpayers money.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

There are a variety of arguments in favor of the death penalty, including the belief that it deters crime, that it is a just punishment for certain crimes, and that it saves taxpayers money.

What are the arguments against the death penalty?

  1. It is cruel and unusual punishment.

  2. It is not a deterrent to crime.

  3. It is applied disproportionately to minorities and the poor.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

There are a variety of arguments against the death penalty, including the belief that it is cruel and unusual punishment, that it is not a deterrent to crime, and that it is applied disproportionately to minorities and the poor.

What is the future of the death penalty?

  1. It will be abolished worldwide.

  2. It will continue to be used in some countries.

  3. It will become more common.

  4. It is impossible to say.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The future of the death penalty is uncertain. Some people believe that it will be abolished worldwide, while others believe that it will continue to be used in some countries. It is also possible that the death penalty will become more common in the future.

What is your opinion on the death penalty?

  1. I support it.

  2. I oppose it.

  3. I am undecided.

  4. I have no opinion.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

This question is a matter of personal opinion, and there is no right or wrong answer.

What can you do to learn more about the death penalty?

  1. Read books and articles about it.

  2. Watch documentaries and news reports about it.

  3. Talk to people who have been affected by it.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

There are a variety of ways to learn more about the death penalty, including reading books and articles about it, watching documentaries and news reports about it, and talking to people who have been affected by it.

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