Similar to the insanity-plea, the death sentence in California seems as ineffectual in its power to deter or rehabilitate criminals. Not only that, but as this article shows "a state commission of experts last year estimated that the additional security and legal spending for capital inmates costs taxpayers $138,000 per death row prisoner each year." So it's a lose/lose situation for non-felons/taxpayers. What do we do then? I would have liked to read about some proposed alternative punishments. As absurd as they may be, it beats feeling stuck.

The author uses a lot of quotes from a convict, his lawyer, and people on the other side of the legal establishment, which makes for a realistic piece--with more than one perspective offered. Good lede too. Reading that someone wants a death sentence makes you think its either a story about a crazy person--which is usually interesting--, or that something is wrong with the legal system--both interesting and disturbing.