This is a very long thread and I'll admit I haven't read beyond post 1 because I'm betting no one thinks the way I think on the issue.

Here's my position on the death penalty: It's too damned easy and it costs too damned much!

All violators of law should be placed in different categories and punished for violating the other lawful citizens expected norm. This should be done fairly and consistently with no cost to law abiding citizens.

Felons, now in death penalty/life sentences should lose all rights as citizens and be placed in a commune that is self supporting. A place like the Alaska National Wildlife Reserve isolated from law abiding citizens. The commune would be fenced, triple fenced with land mines and protective air space equal to that of Washington DC. Inside of the commune would be barns, animals, tools, seeds and a source of clean water similar to a Quaker lifestyle in PA minus houses. Inmates would be self sustained by their labor and produce all items consumed.

Once placed in the commune they would be free within the commune and be self reliant requiring cooperation between inmates or death from internal law established by inmates. Those requiring medical/dental care would exit the facility through the only entrance/exit tunnel nude to be treated and returned.