Fact check: How many people were given a death sentence in 2024 in the US?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, 26 people were given a death sentence in 2024 in the United States ^{[1] [2] [3] [4]}. This figure represents an increase from 2023 ^[2], though it continues a broader trend of declining death sentences since the 1990s.

The data shows that 2024 marked the tenth consecutive year with fewer than 50 people sentenced to death ^[3], indicating that while there was a year-over-year increase, the number remains historically low. The analyses consistently report that the number of death sentences imposed each year has dropped significantly since 1996 ^[1].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks several important contextual elements that the analyses reveal:

• Historical perspective: The 26 death sentences in 2024, while an increase from 2023, represents part of a long-term declining trend since 1996 ^[1]. This context is crucial for understanding whether the 2024 figure represents a significant shift or continues the overall pattern of fewer death sentences.
• Execution vs. sentencing distinction: The analyses indicate there's an important difference between people sentenced to death and people executed. The sources mention that the U.S. carried out 25 executions in 2024 ^[3], while 26 received new death sentences, highlighting that these are separate metrics.
• Geographic concentration: One analysis notes that Florida is leading the way in executions ^[1], suggesting that death penalty activity is concentrated in certain states, which could provide important context about regional variations.
• Broader death penalty trends: The analyses reference public support, legislative activities, and current views and attitudes towards the death penalty ^{[2] [4]}, indicating that the 26 new sentences exist within a complex political and social landscape.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself does not contain misinformation or bias - it's a straightforward factual inquiry. However, the question's simplicity could potentially lead to misunderstanding without proper context:

• The question doesn't distinguish between new death sentences and total people on death row, which could create confusion about the scope of capital punishment in the U.S.
• Without historical context, the figure of 26 could be misinterpreted as either high or low, when in fact it represents a continuation of historically low numbers ^[3] despite being an increase from the previous year.
• The question doesn't account for the distinction between sentencing and execution, which are separate processes in the capital punishment system, as evidenced by the 25 executions versus 26 new sentences in 2024 ^[3].