What are the different methods of execution authorized in the United States?
Five different methods of execution are authorized in the United States: lethal injection, electrocution, gas chamber, hanging, and firing squad. Lethal injection is the most common method and is authorized in 37 states, as well as by the U.S. military and the U.S. government. Electrocution is the second most common method of execution in the United States and is authorized by ten states, with Nebraska being the only state that requires electrocution. Five states authorize execution by the gas chamber, and all five states have lethal injection as an alternative to the gas chamber. Two states authorize hanging as a method of execution, but have lethal injection as an alternative. Finally, two states authorize the firing squad, but also have lethal injection as an alternative. See Methods of Execution by State from the Death Penalty Information Center. The number of inmates put to death by the different methods are listed, along with states that authorize each method of execution.
