I'll clarify: Execution (in America.. most civilized nations do not have an execution program) is a political tool. Justice in america is not equal as it depends upon the quality of legal representation one can afford. The ratio of blacks on death row compared to blacks in the rest of the prison system is telling. At the same time it costs (in NY) 1.8 million dollers to put someone through the execution system. The same cost to keep the convict in prison for life is $600,000. Most murderers do not get executed. Execution, however, or the threat thereof, is a handy tool by prosecuters to get accused persons to agree to a deal. Of course once the deal is made, there is no chance of an appeal.
If it costs 2/3 less to keep a murder in jail till he dies, I'd rather pay THAT then the extra costs to kill him early. It makes fiscal sense, especially when state budgets are all in terrible shape. Call it Execution by Incarceration, if it makes the Rush Limbaugh crowd feel better.
Our legal system has simply shown too much bias, too many flaws, and too many easy-outs for the rich for me to support the death penalty at this time. In another time and place, maybe. Frankly the United States government is now a totally corrupt fascist moneymaking mechanism on par with the Soviet Union. I don't trust it and neither should you.
As for the 15 year thing.. consider what happens when a man is innocently convicted. If only the Hurricane COULD have gotten out in 15 years.