In colonial America, the death penalty was primarily applied for serious crimes such as murder, treason, and piracy. Notably, the case of Daniel Frank in 1630 marked one of the first executions for theft in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Additionally, the case of John Billington, who was hanged in 1630 for murder, highlighted the early use of capital punishment for violent offenses. These early cases reflected the harsh legal standards of the time aimed at maintaining order in the new colonies.
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