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The Death Penalty in Pennsylvania

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

Short answer: Pennsylvania law has the death penalty for first-degree murder (and first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer): the sentence is death or life imprisonment, decided by the jury at a separate sentencing hearing. 18 Pa.C.S. § 1102(a)(1); 42 Pa.C.S. § 9711(a); 61 Pa.C.S. § 4304(a)

Death penaltyPennsylvania law has the death penalty for first-degree murder (and first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer): the sentence is death or life imprisonment, decided by the jury at a separate sentencing hearing. The statute sets lethal injection as the method. On February 16, 2023, Governor Josh Shapiro announced he will not issue any execution warrants during his term and asked the General Assembly to abolish the death penalty.
Governor's announcement: https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/press-releases/governor-shapiro-announces-he-will-not-issue-any-execution-warra.html . Method: https://www.palegis.us/statutes/consolidated/view-statute?txtType=HTM&ttl=61&div=0&chapter=43&section=4&subsctn=0 .
Source: 18 Pa.C.S. § 1102(a)(1); 42 Pa.C.S. § 9711(a); 61 Pa.C.S. § 4304(a)

More Pennsylvania criminal law

FAQ

Does Pennsylvania have the death penalty?
Pennsylvania law has the death penalty for first-degree murder (and first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer): the sentence is death or life imprisonment, decided by the jury at a separate sentencing hearing. The statute sets lethal injection as the method. On February 16, 2023, Governor Josh Shapiro announced he will not issue any execution warrants during his term and asked the General Assembly to abolish the death penalty.

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.