First some facts, then my opinion:
First - it's NOT cheaper to perform an execution. At all, ever, in any circumstance etc. Any of the current systems used (excepting Utah's archaic 'stoning' clause) are set up to pass supreme court verification for 'cruel, unusual, unfair' etc, and thus the inordinate appeals system. Plus, separate facilities for those on death row, etc - expenses add up (i didn't believe it, then i did a project on it . . . it's crazy)
Second, it's not an effective deterrent to crime. Numerous studies have been done - few criminals think about the reprocussions of their actions, and even fewer expect to be caught. Also, sure, if we kill a prisoner he won't kill again - but in most states, murder, rape, possibly even kidnapping carry life terms anyway w/out parole, so they probably won't kill either.
OK, well here's the shocker:
I'm very much FOR the death penalty - it makes sense overall, even if the 'normal' details don't necessarily add up. Since when is cost a big issue in the courts system? Judges are paid full pension until the day they die, then their families get paid for 5 to 10 more . . . ever see how much expert witnesses are paid? Also, to hell w/ deterring, b/c current methods don't work either. I support the death penalty, but not in its current form - it would require a complete overhaul, plus changes in the education of youth and rehabilitation of youth offenders, etc. But that's another story i guess . . .
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