[Ciaphas Cain]

A last meal for the condemned has a long tradition behind it. In some ways it symbolizes that it's not an act of hatred or anger toward the person about to die. It's the state's way of saying "no hard feelings, we are only doing what must be done, and we do empathize with your situation." The condemned prisoner accepting the meal is symbolic of him or her accepting fate, and letting justice run its course. Also with no hard feelings toward the state and those involved in his or her execution.

It's a small thing, but an act of civility that separates America from too many other places in this world.

[DariusBane]

The condemned are considered taboo. Sacred yet forbidden. So a final meal is proscribed and justice is fulfilled.

[mrsmel]

I see your point, but I find it difficult to square with the heinous, cruel, and sadisitic way in which many of these murderers took their victims’ lives. “Last meals” didn’t even come into it for those victims, not remotely.