Dylann Roof sentenced to death

[Brian37]

Sure, but you keep bringing up its current state, which we both already have a problem with, so we can just leave it out.

Naturally, since it's current state is...well...it's current state.  I've also expressed my objections to your proposed improvements of that state.  Beyond thinking that those improvements, a cheap(er) and flawless system, are beyond silly as expectations of anything that we could ever achieve in the real world...supposing we could, I'd still object to the death penalty on the grounds that -I- find the most compelling, which you may not.  Limits to the power and authority of the State.  The State, by it's very nature, wields a broad and terrifying ability, even when it steps lightly, even when every precaution is taken.  

Yeah, see this is more about me just not giving a shit than trying to solve a problem. The way I see it, the people who are hungry for their brand of justice can go ahead and kill these guys, as long as they're extra careful about not killing anyone else. Again, not saying that's what's happening or that it's necessarily possible in this country. Just that those are my criteria for being just plain blasé about it.

I can understand those criteria.  You've compartmentalized it (not criticizing, just noticing).

Shell B, it isn't your reaction to Roof. At least for me my argument is it is simply pointing out we don't live in an ideal society where that would work. It doesn't work as a deterrent because we still have murders. It doesn't work on an economic level because it costs far more to prosecute with the case then the following appeals. It doesn't work because those who don't have a bank account large enough to counter the prosecution so that leaves those with less means at a disadvantage. And admittedly for purely selfish reasons, I know what  it is like to have large numbers hate you when you didn't do it.

It is an oversimplification to simply call them garbage and want to throw them out like trash. I agree Roof is trash, but again, we are talking about an entire system of laws we all live under and climates of attitudes change over time as the powers shift over time. You have to take the larger sample in the entire history. Even scientific method wont allow you to cherry pick your samples. 

Your criteria would only work in an ideal world. 

I think a long term tactic would be to have a society where parents are trained as well as kids things like conflict resolution skills, learn to spot abuse and or mental illness, fund those things, and have livable wages so you have more safety nets to catch a problem. We've had "lock em up and throw away the key for decades now, and even outside murder, we have clear evidence that does not work.