The cost/benefit issue is distorted by the enormous amount of effort put into the appeal process.
It doesn't cost a whole lot for a jolt of electricity (though electricity rates are rising, I admit).
The lengthy appeals process also negatively impacts the deterrent effect. Violent criminals tend not be long-term planners and thinkers. If the criminal vaguely knows that possible execution is 10 years down the road, and, what the hell, anything can happen in that eternity, deterrence loses its force.
In the good old days (that you and I are so fond of), trial, conviction, and execution often occurred in a matter of months. That was not costly, and it had powerful deterrent effect.
Shortening the appeal process might increase the chance of wrongful execution, but that could be looked upon in a cost/benefit way also. If anyone does get executed wrongfully along the way, the chances are slim to none that it will be a law-abiding citizen never in trouble with the law before. Almost certainly, it will be someone with a long history of criminal acts. I'm not saying that is right, and my heart goes out to them, but I will save the bulk of my sympathies for all those cops getting slaughtered year in and out. |
