Capital punishment, also known as the death penalty, has become a less frequently used penalty over the years, but it is still in effect in several states.

For the fifth straight year, fewer than 30 people were executed and less than 50 people were sentenced to death in the U.S. last year.

In fact, half of U.S. states have either abolished the death penalty or implemented a temporary prohibition on executions [moratorium], according to the Death Penalty Information Center.

DEATH ROW INMATES' LAST WORDS

So which states use the death penalty and what methods are allowed?

States with the death penalty -- methods of execution

Alabama -- Lethal injection and electrocution.

Arizona -- Lethal injection, lethal gas if sentenced before Nov 15, 1992.

Arkansas -- Lethal injection, electrocution if sentenced before July 4, 1983.

California (Further executions halted by 2019 moratoria) -- Choice of injection or gas.

CALIFORNIA TO MOVE HUNDREDS OF INMATES OFF LARGEST DEATH ROW; EX-DA CALLS IT 'SLAP TO THE FACE' OF VICTIMS

Colorado (Further executions halted by 2013 moratoria) -- Lethal injection.

Florida -- Choice of injection or electrocution.

Georgia -- Lethal injection.

Idaho -- Lethal injection.

Indiana -- Lethal injection.

Kansas -- Lethal injection.

Kentucky -- Lethal injection, electrocution if sentenced before March 31, 1998.

Louisiana -- Lethal injection.

Mississippi -- Lethal injection.

Missouri -- Lethal injection or gas.

Montana -- Lethal injection.

Nebraska -- Lethal injection.

Nevada -- Lethal injection.

North Carolina -- Lethal injection.

Ohio -- Injection (one drug protocol).

Oklahoma -- Lethal injection, electrocution or firing squad (if injection deemed unconstitutional).

OKLAHOMA TO RESUME EXECUTIONS

Oregon (Further executions halted by 2011 moratoria) -- Lethal injection.

Pennsylvania (Further executions halted by 2015 moratoria) -- Lethal injection.

South Carolina -- Lethal injection or electrocution.

South Dakota -- Lethal injection.

Tennessee -- Lethal injection, electrocution if sentenced before Dec 31. 1998.

Texas -- Lethal injection.

Utah -- Lethal injection, firing squad if lethal injection found unconstitutional. Firing squad if sentenced before May 3, 2004.

Virginia -- Lethal injection or electrocution.

Wyoming -- Lethal injection, gas if lethal injection found unconstitutional.

States without the death penalty

Alaska

Connecticut

Delaware

Hawaii

Illinois

Iowa

Maine

FATE OF FLORIDA DEATH ROW INMATES UNCERTAIN AFTER COURT RULING

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Dakota

Rhode Island

Vermont

Washington

West Virginia

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Wisconsin