True. Capital punishment does prevent repeat offenders. But that typical Rush Limbaugh screed of "do victims get a second chance" is just a red herring. As far as I know, not many are advocating for "giving them a second chance." Why not just lock them up for a 500 year sentence? If they survive that long, then fine, give 'em a second chance.

There was just a guy released from prison here in Georgia last week who served 24 years for a 1981 rape that he did not commit (DNA tests proved that he was wrongly convicted). Oops. Sorry. Sucks to be you. But at least we can say that. Much tougher if he is dead. What if we make a mistake? Mistakes are made, and that is inevitable. It has happened in the past, happens now and will happen in the future. Perhaps not many mistakes -- perhaps less than 1%. Still, much easier to attempt to unwind the mistakes when the person is still alive.