[fr_freak]

My problem with the death penalty is I don't like the idea of the US government deciding who gets to die and who gets to live.

Well, in theory anyway, that decision is made by a jury of your peers, not the government.

[MEG33]

It isn't a theory..The burden of proof is all on the prosecution to prove their case. The defense does not have to do anything but make the prosecution prove its case before a jury. The jury must also vote on the death penalty..No judge hands down a death sentence on his own in the US any longer.It is up to the jury to vote to impose..