The death penalty debate is growing. Here is an excellent speech by Richard Dieter of the Death Penalty Information Center to the American Correctional Association (prison guards.) It outlines all that is wrong with the death penalty. It's not new, but it's a keeper for all who are called upon to speak on the subject. His conclusion:

The death penalty is literally falling apart at the seams. Judging by the 50% decline in death sentences, by the growing rejection of this punishment around the world, and by the decreasing support even in this country, it is likely that its days are numbered. I believe that we are seeing a trend in society to put its trust in the correctional system that is already keeping society safe from over 99% of violent convicted criminals. I believe the correctional system would do a much better job with the people who are currently sentenced to death. It would not be satisfied that it has "discharged its whole duty when it has punished" but "having raised him up," it would meet its "further duty to aid in holding him up," regardless of how terrible the crime. Of one thing I am sure: the death penalty system has been tried and it has failed.