[Z]

I have little to no knowledge of the costs of hanging; but surely beyond paying for the services of the hangman and maintenance of facilities, there is nothing else to pay for? It's hardly archaic, it was still in use in Britain in the 1950s. While I agree with you in cases of a crime of passion, or a crime that isn't as serious as murder where the murderer/criminal will undoubtedly feel remorse; but I'm talking about deranged lunatics such as the Washington Sniper, people who didn't know their victims and therefore aren't nearly as likely to experience remorse.

The 'playing god' thing comes down to personal beliefs though, anybody who objects to it isn't going to change their mind.

Just to reiterate, I'm only applying the capital punishment thing to deranged nutters like the Washington Sniper; I don't think capital punishment is a better alternative to jail, just for people like that, it seems like a waste to try and rehabilitate them.