Regarding the last couple of posts from Peter K (Fionn) and Guest,#:

"Without the death penalty, there could well be more personal revenge killings and vigilantism, and perhaps even family/clan feuds, because the families of victims [do not - gram. error] feel their loved one did not get justice." JotSC two days ago.

In other words, a death penalty, judiciously and sparingly used can give the victim's survivors a sense of justice and closure, without resorting to individual revenge.

JotSC