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A person who has committed a crime so heinous that a death sentence is even contemplated, if convicted, has proven endangerment to members of the society. Such an person when put to death over their crime(s) falls under the framework of 'society's self defense', therefore, by your reasoning, such an criminal is an excellent case for death sentence but you prefer to apply mercy and spare such an one's life. Do you follow that so far?

I follow what you are saying, but I do not agree for several reasons.

First, if the person is in prison for the rest of his or her life, the person is not a risk to society at large.

Second, as good as our justice system is, there is enough corruption that we can't be sure someone is really guilty. In case after case, people who are facing death are released because of DNA evidence and such. Once the person is dead, this person can't be released. I've been on several juries, and the jury foreman on one. Believe me when I say, juries are a pathetic lot. Keep it in mind that 50% of the people in this country are below average intelligence - and that's pretty stupid. Most of them can't understand complex sentences.

If you are going to pot someone to death, they should be found guilty beyond ANY doubt. Not beyond reasonable doubt.