Another problem is that too often they get it wrong; I don’t believe in the system enough to let it make absolute, irrevocable decisions. It’s messed up too many times. And after you kill the guy, DNA ain’t gonna help.
I’m fine with them cooking a cold blooded killer (or rapist! the recent supreme court ruling on that was wrong – cruel & unusual my foot.) I want them to make sure they cook the right guy.
As far the mentally impaired, I’m a little torn about that. If they are capable of punishment – life in prison, say – then why are they less deserving of the chair? (Or chamber, injection…)