[JoeFromSidney]

In truth this is probably the only really rational argument against the death penalty is that we must recognize even the Lawrence Laders of this world as God's beloved children, that God created him to know Him, love Him and serve Him in this world and to be happy forever with Him in the next but that God is just as well as merciful and that execution removes from the guilty some opportunity for repentance, penance and reconciliation with a heavenly Father always willing to forgive.

One could equally well argue the other way, that certainty of execution by a particular date would confront the criminal on Death Row with the issue of repentance more strongly than would a sentence of "life," which is indefinite in length. As Samuel Johnson said, "Knowing that one is to be hanged in a fortnight concentrates the mind wonderfully."

[T'wit]

I think we both did argue the other way. See 40 and 45.

I myself am more concerned with matters that the law can address in the here and now. Specifically -- reducing murders and other crimes to a minimum. The way to do that is speedy trial, sure-handed justice and swift punishment. I suppose that's hopelessly idealistic while we have living lawyers :-)