Since the early 1800's, most executions have resulted from convictions for murder. ... Capital punishment was widely used during the Middle Ages, especially for crimes against the state and church. ... In earlier times, there would have been no possible way for the court to see that they were innocent, leading to their likely execution. ... This ruling reflected a day and age when flaws in the death-penalty system were being examined thoroughly. ...

• Word Count: 1346
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: Undergraduate