Atheism & the Death Penalty.

[God of Mr. Hanky]

And how would you determine if the evidence in any particular case is "overwhelming"?  Families would push for this standard in cases that don't meet it.  Perpetrators would push back.  All this would do is add another layer of appeals to an already lengthy and expensive process.

How about requiring DNA evidence in the form of bodily fluids, since that is what gets people unquestionably off the hook in most cases.  Would it be possible to differentiate in older cases?

The only thing which DNA proves is that the accused's DNA was present at the scene. Frame-up artists are good at making use of your DNA, and your fingerprints on discarded artifacts from outside the scene or prior to the crime. If you own a weapon (it could be kitchen knife), this doesn't make you a murderer, but somebody may steal this with your prints on it.

Those of us who were not involved at the time do not, and cannot know enough to sort out the above from what actually happened, therefore we should not participate in any decision which is as certain and final as a death sentence. Frame-ups actually happen, and much too often.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wrongful_execution