Public support for the death penalty has dropped sharply in Houston, Texas according to the 2005 Houston Area Survey conducted by Rice University. For many years Texas has led the country in executions, and Harris County (Houston) has led all Texas counties in sending inmates to death row and in executions. But most Houston residents would prefer the sentence of life without parole rather than the death penalty for those who commit murder.

Sixty-four percent chose life without parole, increasing from 57% who chose that option in 2003.

Overall, support for the death penalty (with no alternative offered) dropped to 60% this year, down from 68% support in 1999, according to the survey. (See poll results, Houston Chronicle, May 6, 2005). See

Public Opinion

and

Life Without Parole

.