Death Penalty Sentencing in Trial Courts: Delhi, Madhya Pradesh & Maharashtra (2000-2015)

Process

The study looked at 215 judgments from three states - Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra - from 2000-2015. 

• Three states were chosen because of a high number of death sentences handed in them, and a high level of acquittal and commutation of the sentences at the appellate level. 
• Data had to be accessed by physically visiting courts and offices across several districts. Before analysing the judgments they had to be translated into English as well to be made accessible. 
• The study carried out both a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the data, to understand how the courts dealt with capital sentencing.

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