Obviously horrible crimes deserve punishment. Minimum sentencing, however, regardless of the horror, reflects a large degree of hubris on the law: each case is unique, each case has different circumstances surrounding it, each case has unique individuals involved, thus each case should be judged and sentenced uniquely.

Violent criminals should be punished we're not saying that. But, with capital punishment - come on! Why must the government stoop as low as the offender? Wasting a lot more tax dollars to appeal a death sentence than life in prison isn't enough? How about those who are eventually found innocent? What about those who are found innocent after they are dead? Woops! Sorry? - No, that is not ok. Returning violence with violence is not ok, esp. when it is the government. Capital punishment keeps the government stuck back in 'dem goo' ol' days of the red-blooded vendetta, and vigilante justice. But Capital punishment doesn't achieve justice, it achieves death. How does that old cliche go? Oh yeah: an eye for an eye leaves everyone blind!