Yes, it is morally defensable: Anti death penalty avocates always say to me, you are pro life how can you be for the death penalty.
Abortion is the murder of the most innocent of victims, they cannot defend themselves, while the death penalty is the homicide of someone who murders other innocent victims.
When someone murders someone, I say to them, we value life so much that you will forfeit yours.
I hope this makes some sense.
Are sure you wanted to reply to my post #14 ?