1.

Biblical Teachings
Some religions base their support of the DP on passages from the Old Testament in the Bible. "An eye for an eye" is the most famous of these. These Bible verses contrast with Jesus' message in the New Testament: "Turn the other cheek."

In the OT: Leviticus 24:17 "If anyone takes the life of a human being, he must be put to death." During the times of the OT, the laws of Moses were upheld. Other crimes punishable by death: working on the Sabbath, making a sacrifice to another God, witches, cursing against God! Also, in the first book of the Bible, Genesis 9:6, God speaks to Noah before the flood: "He who sheddeth a man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed."
In the NT: Matthew 5:38-40 Part of Jesus' famous Sermon on the Mount "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also."
2.
 History of frontier justice and lynchings.
Southern states are known as the "Death Belt" as well as the "Bible Belt." Slaves were lynched if caught running away and there is still a lot of racism in the courts. By far the most executions are happening in the South (80 per cent).
3.
  

Why America has the Death Penalty:
our current laws allow it.
The laws of America can be changed!