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The Death Penalty in Wisconsin

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

Short answer: No. Wisconsin's criminal code has no death sentence. Its most serious felony class, Class A (which includes first-degree intentional homicide), is punished by life imprisonment. Wis. Stat. §§ 939.50(3)(a), 940.01(1)(a)

Death penaltyNo. Wisconsin's criminal code has no death sentence. Its most serious felony class, Class A (which includes first-degree intentional homicide), is punished by life imprisonment.
Reviewed Wis. Stat. chs. 939, 940 and 973 (statutes published Oct. 1, 2026) on 2026-10-28; no provision for a death sentence found.

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FAQ

Does Wisconsin have the death penalty?
No. Wisconsin's criminal code has no death sentence. Its most serious felony class, Class A (which includes first-degree intentional homicide), is punished by life imprisonment.

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.