[mikeash]

It doesn't save money. Executing someone costs a ton of money.

The common response to this is something like, "Well, make it cheaper. Stop with all the appeals and other nonsense." The trouble is that we already execute far too many innocent people, and streamlining the process will only make it worse.

To carry out executions in anything resembling a just manner, it pretty much has to be more expensive than imprisoning someone for life.

As for #2, life without parole should be just as final as an execution as far as closure for the victims is concerned.

[giarc]

Ya I was really just responding in context of the parent comment, not necessarily my views. I oppose capital punishment and I don't think someone get's peace/closure from the death penalty.