a) Michigan

Michigan was the first state to abolish the death penalty, doing so in 1846. This abolitionist stance made Michigan a leader in the movement against capital punishment in the United States. The state’s early and enduring commitment to this principle reflected a growing sentiment against the death penalty, based on moral, religious, and practical considerations. Michigan’s decision set a precedent for other states and remains a notable example of progressive social reform in American history, contributing to ongoing debates about the use of the death penalty in the U.S. legal system.