A Civilized Society and the Death Penalty

Other than meting out an ounce of revenge, I ask you, how does the death penalty and mob mentality that followed the death sentencing phase of the Scott Peterson case (“Jurors Say Scott Peterson Should Die for 2 Murders,” Dec. 14) serve to advance what we perceive as a civilized society? It seems to me we are no different from the person perpetrating murder.

Dennis Berman

Huntington Beach

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Re “Slow Ride to the Death Chamber,” editorial, Dec. 15: So what if it costs more to condemn Peterson to a death sentence that might never take place than a life sentence. Isn’t it worth the extra cost to deliver the message to him that, despite what his mother said, his life isn’t worth saving? Peterson might not be executed, but for as long as he does live, he’ll have to live with that knowledge.

Stacey Rain Strickler

Los Angeles

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The death penalty is wrong for three reasons. First, it is bad philosophy: Killing a killer to prove killing is wrong does not make sense. Second, it is bad politics: America’s standing in the international community is hampered because most civilized nations no longer permit the death penalty. And it is not practical: It costs more to execute defendants than to imprison them. The death penalty is bad morals, politics and economics.

Kenneth Michael White

Attorney, Upland

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The trouble with the death penalty is that, as long as it is available, anything less than that seems to imply that the crime was less bad as well. Jurors and the public are not often going to be willing to make that concession.

Ehrhardt Lang

Lompoc