[Hoot Gibson]

^
I often agree with that.
Deterrence IMO, is really the only reason we keep the death penalty.
Dont get me wrong, im all for for the death penalty, but a lot of people dont realize that it costs more to sentence someone to death than it does to lock them up for life.
Its also a harsher punishment IMO, to live a full life in prison.

The cost would be well worth it if the trials, appeals, and executions were held in a timely manner. When the government tries a person for a capital crime, the defendant should receive the best defense possible, but justice needs to be swift. Otherwise, the deterrent value of the death penalty disappears.