Let's have a talk/debate about capital punishment (the Death Penalty)

The CSI franchise takes place in 2/3 cities with the death penalty. So i was just wondering if anyone had views on this subject?

I remember in one episode of fellow crime drama series Law & Order (mothership) Ben Stone says "Whats next we torch the homes of arsonists?, we sexually abuse those who rape?" and also from L&O mothership Anita Van Buran when pulled into a debate on death penalty always points out there's always criminals who if they thought they'd get the chair wouldn't hesitate in taking a few cops with them. Plus someone once said if criminals thought they'd get the death penalty it would make traffic stops more terrifying if the criminals were wanted for murder and knew they'd get the chair.

So what's everyones views on this topic. Has any crime drama changed your mind on this subject. You can use quotes and episode examples if you want. (P.S I will be posting this topic on other crime drama boards).