The difference is that a murder is carried out by a depraved individual. An execution is carried out by the state. The people. Us.
Is that a double standard? Damn straight, it is. I hold the people acting in my name, exercising their just powers by the consent of the governed, to a higher standard than I do perverts and criminals and terrorists. When did that become wrong?
So trial and conviction by one or more juries, endless appeals and an average stay on death row of over 20 years before the sentence is carried out compared to walking into a convenience store and blowing away a clerk is not a higher standard?
In what universe?