The death penalty, also known as capital punishment, is a legal process where a person is sentenced to death by the state as a punishment for a crime. This penalty is typically reserved for the most serious offenses, such as murder or terrorism. The methods of execution can vary by jurisdiction and may include lethal injection, electrocution, or hanging. Supporters of the death penalty argue that it serves as a deterrent to crime and delivers justice for victims and their families. Opponents raise concerns about its morality, the risk of executing innocent people, and the potential for racial and socioeconomic bias in its application.