As Utahns move toward repeal of the death penalty, proponents of state executions continue to offer two fundamentally flawed justifications for maintaining death sentences: that it is the only way to bring justice to victims and it is necessary to protect the public.
Sadly, prosecutors are at the forefront of trying to persuade grieving families that the prolonged suffering that follows a decision to pursue a death sentence is required to bring a just resolution to the case. In truth, there is no justice in a death sentence, only more death.
Once execution is on the table, the defendant is guaranteed the highest level of due process.