The death penalty is a bit harsh when you cannot 100% guarantee guilt I dread to think how many innocent people have been sent to their executions - perfectly legally - but incorrectly. Their must have been loads. Of course, the proof of guilt thing may become easier as technology exists.
Lets just think a minute though - a murderer can still prove to be an asset in the right circumstances. Did not most sides of WWII put some severe criminals into uniform and send them off to one front or another? Could this approach not be considered again?
I am a firm believer in conscription (of sorts). I reckon that if a criminal is awarded a custodial sentence then he/she should be put to work for his community/country as if conscripted instead of just languishing in a prison (Hotel?) watching bloody television, smoking fags and generally having a good time - which is what appears to be happening. They are just a drag on the ration strength - and should be made to earn his keep properly and - as a bonus - perhaps learn to respect other peoples lives and property - in the same way that most decent human beings do.
Right - sorry about that - Rant over - I promise