Capital punishment can be a good thing, but not when applied by corrupt entities based on unjust standards and lies. History has shown beyond a reasonable, that when applied correctly, it can serve as a pretty good deterrent. In addition, not all killings are murders.
There is by deliberate design very little sympathy left for the victims of murderers today. The status quo is to feed and cuddle the murderer and start a fan club - it is all about his/her/its feelings and welfare. It is the sign of a sick and decaying society that won't survive if people don't come to their senses. Yet, many deem it as advancement to a higher level... until they and their loved ones are tortured and murdered in cold blood themselves. If someone cares that much for them - and I am in reference to murderers, not people falsely accused of being murderers - then they should spend some quality time with them to get a grip on reality.
Are all killings wrong though? Even when wars are started many people argue that it's still wrong. I'm not sure I agree with this opinion but it is something to consider. That also begs the question when is it acceptable to kill another. You could argue self defense but only a minute amount of cases actually require lethal force to make sure you are the one to survive.
The thing is people are getting sentenced to death when they haven't committed the crime and it comes out years after they are executed. This should be avoided at all costs but the only way of going about this is by actually abolishing it. If we look at some of the prisons around the world especially in Panama etc then the welfare of highly dangerous criminals isn't really something which is looked at closely and they live in horrendous conditions. Being falsely accused of a crime is bad enough to be sentenced to death is something else. As I've stated, "not all killings are murders" - murder constitutes an unjustified killing. Wars are tricky, but if one participates in a war for all the wrong reasons - and kills others in an offensive manner based on deceit and lies - then it boils down to murder. However, if one refuses to fight in a war, but is dragged into war by being attacked while being in a peaceful state - then defending oneself and one's loved ones by killing others in respond cannot be seen as murder.
In addition, yes, mistakes are made in terms of giving innocent people a death sentence, but should we ban all cars because of accidents on the road? I think not. And a life sentence places a burden on society. Just imagine, I murder someone, which constitutes a death sentence on that person without due process, and then society has to provide accommodation, feed me, etc. It is certainly not fair. If one takes another person's life in an unjust manner, then that act should automatically cancels one's right to life.
Now of course, in instances where one is not dealing with a hard-core murderer, the person confesses and show true remorse - hard labor and a long prison sentence could help toward rehabilitation. If the accused is too weak and/or not willing to work, then he/she must face capital punishment. It sounds harsh, but you want something that serves as a strong deterrent.
On the other hand, if I am accused of murder and receives capital punishment - and it came out later that I was innocent, then those who falsely accused me must face capital punishment themselves. Justice must be served either way.
The problem today is that murderers have more rights than their victims. It is absolutely insane.