The discussion begins with an overview of the history of capital punishment in the United Kingdom and a description of recent miscarriages of justice. In addition, a survey is reported that samples current public attitudes and compares the results with data from opinion polls. The survey took place in Canterbury, Dover, and Deal, in Kent, England, during December 1992. The results of the 100 personal interviews revealed that 53 percent favored the reintroduction of capital punishment in England. The crucial question to be answered is whether recent miscarriages of justice have changed people's attitudes toward capital punishment; this topic has received relatively little research attention. However, the author's research suggests that risks of mistakes are inevitable under a capital punishment system, but that many people are willing to accept this risk. Tables, note, and 35 references (Author abstract modified)