The interesting thing about death and imprisonment for life sentences is that legally society is basically saying these people are beyond recovery and not worth

The interesting thing about death and imprisonment for life sentences is that legally society is basically saying these people are beyond recovery and not worth having among us. In practice, though, society is demanding punishment and exerting vengeance. Where I live there are (in theory, of course) three sides to every penal sentence: Punishment Example Rehabilitation Sentencing to death is admitting the convicted is beyond rehabilitation or that he will do more good to the society as an example than as a productive, rehabilitated member. The punishment part I can't see as anything but thirst for vengeance from the society and, perhaps, atonement for the convicted. P.S.: This thirst for vengeance, our collective need to have someone pay is, rationally , the source of these false convictions