Capital punishment cannot be compared to eternal damnation. One is imposed by men on a man and damnation is imposed on oneself and is infinitely a worse end than capital punishment, actually, it's not even an "end" as it never ends.
Death, through capital punishment, imposed by men is, in theory, unavoidable, eternal damnation is easily avoidable.
Off to bed, will answer replies tomorrow.
By the way, wife and 15 year old son really sick, prayers appreciated
It is able to be compared. They are both punishments with final consequences.