Rule of Law is allowing for the PROCESS take its course, according to the system we have established. I did not advocate for a particular sentence.
Appealing to emotion is asking the mother of one of the dead victims what they think should be done, despite that there’s a process in place. Without knowing the parents, it seems unlikely they’re in a proper state of mind to evaluate objectively.
I doubt Tsarnaev’s mother has a newsworthy opinion of the process either.
OK - still doesn't say that the victims don't get input; both those who would plead for leniency and those who would ask for death. I didn't see anywhere that the family asked that the due process not be taken, just that they wished leniency. My personal opinion is that he should be put to death, but that opinion comes from outside the actual event.
Now that you have clarified, I believe we may be at least on the same bookshelf - I apologize for my initial antagonism.