I have to say I'm somewhat conflicted on the death penalty. I used to be all for it, because if you're willing to take a life I think you should forfeit yours. This, however, makes the assumption that our justice system is perfect, and with all the people being released because of DNA evidence, we know that to be far from true. My problem with not having the death penalty is that there are hardened criminals out there to whom a jail sentence is not a deterrent, and the only thing they fear is the death penalty. So I am against the death penalty mostly, but I think it should still be reserved for the most egregious, intentional crimes where DNA evidence is available. I don't like the idea of the government getting to say who dies anymore than anyone else, but there are criminals out there that only fear one punishment, the death penalty. That is why I see it as a necessary evil that should be highly limited.
Even if the open windows of science at first make us shiver after the cozy indoor warmth of traditional humanizing myths, in the end the fresh air brings vigor, and the great spaces have a splendor of their own - Bertrand Russell
