Trading a life sentence-plus for the death penalty

If someone, like Jeffery Dahmer, was sentenced to hundred of years in prison for having committed a murder(s), should they be allowed the death penalty as an alternative option–if they ask for it?

I don't think they should really be able to call the shots.

They should get the death penalty anyway for murder. Beyond a reasonable doubt, a life for a life that's only fair. If they want it then give it to them, make sure their crazy ass dosen't have a chance to get out.

No. Death is easy....that's the reason they're asking for it.

And yet how many people Do ask for the death penalty, seems if anything, they and their lawyers fight for life in prison instead.

Supernova wrote:And yet how many people Do ask for the death penalty, seems if anything, they and their lawyers fight for life in prison instead.

Gary Gilmore technically didn't ask to sentenced to death in lieu of life in prion but he did object to the delays in carrying out his sentence. He was convicted on October 7, 1976 and executed on January 17, 1977. This was even after some stays were granted.

Also, what I object to when people who were convicted and sentenced to death, only later to have capital punishment over-turned in the state that convicted them and their sentences commuted to "life", are elligable for parole. Charles Manson and members of his "family" are a perfect example.

I agree that no one who has committed crimes so heinous that they receive 957 years imprisonment (like Dahmer) should be able to dictate the terms of their sentence.

Agreed, NOW, if they get the death penalty, I do think in the states where you have choices, they should be able how they get to die, whether it's the needle, hanging, electric chair or firing squad...I'd personally take the firing squad, I think more states should offer choices because I don't like the idea of lethal injection being the only option in a lot of states.

Death is convenient and is lets them off the hook. Have them rot in prison for the rest of their miserable days.

Sure, but they're rotting at the expense of our taxes which are constantly being raised.

Supernova wrote:Sure, but they're rotting at the expense of our taxes which are constantly being raised.

I've previously given my opinion on the death penalty. I'll add this. Repeated studies have shown that the cost of putting someone to death very often outweighs the cost of keeping them in prison, even for many years. As I've already stated, I think some people are just too evil to live, but that also goes to my criticism of capital punishment. How capriciously it seems to be administered. The afore mentioned Jeffrey Dahmer is convicted of the grizzly murder of 15 people and gets life. Scott Peterson is convicted of murdering his wife and unborn child and is sentenced to death. If you look, you can come up with many other examples that will leave you thinking, why is this person allowed to live but this person had to die?

Alan's right. To execute a criminal, and the death row he sits on for months/years before his fry date, costs the taxpayers more than if he was just serving out a life sentence behind bars.