The death sentence, not being reversible, in my opinion should carry an above normal amount of scrutiny before sentencing. All avenues should be explored to prevent having to use it. Having said that, I fail to understand why, if a state has death row inmates that they fail or delay to carry it out. The number of people convicted and sentenced to death far exceeds the number of people it is actually carried out on.

By failing to keep up with the inflow, prisoners are allowed to live years and years on death row. Often dying of old age and creating the illusion that the sentence will not be carried out. If it is not used or used only seldom it renders the penalty ineffective.

I believe if you have it, use it otherwise abolish it. Death row inmates cost the state a fortune. I have heard the argument that a long life in prison is more punishment than death (death ends the suffering). But the other side of the argument is that whatever sentence is imposed it should be carried out in a timely manner. Texas leads in executions and even has what is called an ‘Express Lane’ where under certain circumstances the sentence is expedited. Even in Texas the executions should be increased to ‘meet the demand’ of the growing size of death row.

When death means death the criminals will take it seriously. It will not stop crime but it will reduce it I believe. Prisons are “Colleges” for criminals. It’s time to get rid of some of the Professors on death row!