There are many troubling questions regarding the use of the death penalty, including questions concerning equitable access to adequate legal representation and the disproportionate numbers of African-Americans on death row. While numerous studies have examined public support for the death penalty, it is difficult to arrive at an accurate representation of public perceptions through the use of just one yes or no question, “Do you support the death penalty?” The current study attempted to gain a deeper understanding of public perceptions of the death penalty at a time in Texas when numerous problems with the implementation of the death penalty were coming to light. Survey response data were collected from 821 respondents as part of the Texas Crime Poll, a mail survey that included questions on attitudes about the death penalty, confidence in the death penalty system, and support for a moratorium on the use of the death penalty. Results of statistical analyses revealed that the majority of respondents supported the death penalty yet lacked confidence in its administration and supported a moratorium on its use. A full 68 percent of those lacking confidence in the use of the death penalty and 73 percent of those supporting a moratorium on its use also reported support for the death penalty. The authors contend that the strong support for the death penalty despite a lack of confidence in its use is “value-expressive,” meaning that support for the death penalty reflects deeply held beliefs and values. Thus, support for the death penalty is maintained as a matter of principle even though the administration of the death penalty in Texas is problematic. Future research should focus on developing better attitudinal measures. Tables, figures, references, appendix