That takes away the strongest argument against the death penalty.

The State kills people because;

1. we are mad at them
   
2. we are afraid of them (even though they in jail and are not able to harm us)
   
3. to prevent them from killing or seriously injuring another person
   
4. as a deterrent to crime
   
5. as just retribution (this implies a theocracy)
   
6. as consequence of conducting a war (No doubt some will object to this being listed because they consider it to be justifiable homicide).
   
7. for treason

I do not support State mandated homicide for any except number 3. which covers justifiable homicide by a police officer (I would have to critically review each case in order to make such a decision). The only reason I support it is that I think there is a chance that the police action has the potential for reducing the total number killed. In other words if you can't save everyone save as many as possible.

In general justifiable homicide by a police officer is spontaneous and not subject to external review and control. On the other hand large scale military operations are planned and reviewed and there is a command and control system in operation.

In American colonies there were no prisons (jails were used for pretrial detention) until the Quakers created them in Pennsylvania. First offense burglary was punished by a fine and some type of humiliating corporal punishment. Persons convicted of second offense burglary and similar crimes were executed so there was no need for prisons.

After the revolution the death penalty was eliminated except for treason (later first degree murder was added) as a reaction to the oppressive policies of the British monarchy. The modern prison was created in this country as an alternative to capital punishment a hallmark of an oppressive form of government.

you can help by telling your legislator that you support abolishing the death penalty.

States Without the Death Penalty Have Better Record on Homicide Rates:

A new survey by the New York Times found that states without the death penalty have lower homicide rates than states with the death penalty. The Times reports that ten of the twelve states without the death penalty have homicide rates below the national average, whereas half of the states with the death penalty have homicide rates above. During the last 20 years, the homicide rate in states with the death penalty has been 48% - 101% higher than in states without the death penalty. "I think Michigan made a wise decision 150 years ago," said the state's governor, John Engler, a Republican, referring to the state's abolition of the death penalty in 1846. "We're pretty proud of the fact that we don't have the death penalty."

Great for the wingnuts - they get a double dip out it. No wonder they like the death penalty. It fits their psychology: the more death the better...