"Never discuss religion or politics in polite company"

The death penalty has long been on the list of taboo subjects as well. It has simply been too difficult to have a calm discussion about capital punishment. It is too emotional a topic. Most of us do not think about the death penalty very often. Many of us do not know a lot of facts and figures about the death penalty. Only a few of us, when we do think about it, are neutral. Almost all of us, whether we believe in capital punishment or not, hold our beliefs passionately. So, we have rarely discussed capital punishment in polite company.

But, times have changed. Our economy has changed. Florida, and the rest of the nation, is in midst of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. The state budget has cut, cut, and cut again. Education and health care have been slashed. Many state services have been reduced. When looking for sensible solutions to this economic crisis, there can be no more taboo subjects. We must be willing to realistically examine every program and policy.

The goal of this site is not to argue for or against the concept of the death penalty, but simply to provide some facts and figures so that you can consider the cost to Florida taxpayers of administering the death penalty, and weigh it's cost against its potential benefits.

Can Florida Afford the Death Penalty?