All Laws Decoded

The Death Penalty in Indiana

How Indiana law treats death penalty, from the state code and official state agencies.

Short answer: Indiana has the death penalty. A person who was at least 18 when committing murder may be sentenced to death (or life without parole) instead of a prison term, under the separate death-penalty sentencing procedure, which requires the State to prove listed aggravating circumstances. Ind. Code §§ 35-50-2-3, 35-50-2-9; Ward v. State, Ind. Sup. Ct. No. 25S-SD-167 (order setting execution date, Aug. 27, 2025)

Death penaltyIndiana has the death penalty. A person who was at least 18 when committing murder may be sentenced to death (or life without parole) instead of a prison term, under the separate death-penalty sentencing procedure, which requires the State to prove listed aggravating circumstances. Executions are being carried out: the Indiana Supreme Court set an execution date of October 10, 2025, for Roy Lee Ward, sentenced to death for a 2001 rape and murder.
The method of execution was not read in the statute and is not stated. iga.in.gov refused automated reads.
Source: Ind. Code §§ 35-50-2-3, 35-50-2-9; Ward v. State, Ind. Sup. Ct. No. 25S-SD-167 (order setting execution date, Aug. 27, 2025)

More Indiana criminal law

FAQ

Does Indiana have the death penalty?
Indiana has the death penalty. A person who was at least 18 when committing murder may be sentenced to death (or life without parole) instead of a prison term, under the separate death-penalty sentencing procedure, which requires the State to prove listed aggravating circumstances. Executions are being carried out: the Indiana Supreme Court set an execution date of October 10, 2025, for Roy Lee Ward, sentenced to death for a 2001 rape and murder.

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.