I have written posts on this before, but am updating some of the data I presented.
Now, I would like to first note even if I am wrong on this issue, the cost argument is not an argument for the abolition of the death penalty. It is only an argument to reform it. Indeed, limiting appeals would decrease the cost to almost nothing. As Gary D. Beatty argues, is appeals cases are pursued in a fiscally responsible manner the death penalty is much cheaper then life without parole cases [1]. Kent S. Scheidegger has studies plea bargaining (this avoids all trial costs). He finds no cost studies account for these variables, and when accounted for the death penalty is the same cost or even less then life without parole cases [2].
Instead of writing more, I will refer you to an article I wrote with more data on the subject.
http://homicidesurvivors.com/2012/09/04/wait-does-the-dp-really-cost-too-much-an-analysis.aspx
1. http://www.fed-soc.org/publications/detail/the-next-time-someone-says-the-death-penalty-costs-more-than-life-in-prison-show-them-this-article
2. http://www.cjlf.org/publications/papers/wpaper09-01.pdf
Now, I would like to first note even if I am wrong on this issue, the cost argument is not an argument for the abolition of the death penalty. It is only an argument to reform it. Indeed, limiting appeals would decrease the cost to almost nothing. As Gary D. Beatty argues, is appeals cases are pursued in a fiscally responsible manner the death penalty is much cheaper then life without parole cases [1]. Kent S. Scheidegger has studies plea bargaining (this avoids all trial costs). He finds no cost studies account for these variables, and when accounted for the death penalty is the same cost or even less then life without parole cases [2].
Instead of writing more, I will refer you to an article I wrote with more data on the subject.
http://homicidesurvivors.com/2012/09/04/wait-does-the-dp-really-cost-too-much-an-analysis.aspx
1. http://www.fed-soc.org/publications/detail/the-next-time-someone-says-the-death-penalty-costs-more-than-life-in-prison-show-them-this-article
2. http://www.cjlf.org/publications/papers/wpaper09-01.pdf
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