Human beings have a right to life, but the issue of Capital Punishment being used as a form of consequence for murder is a difficult decision.
Capital punishment does not really work as a deterrent to prevent murder. The majority of murders are committed during emotionally charged moments and occur between people who are familiar with one another. During an emotionally charged moment impulse control is less likely to kick in and that is why the person is not able to process the idea that "if I kill this person I will be put to death." Therefore, the fear of one’s own death is not present at the time.
Another problem in using the death penalty to deter murder is that many murders are committed by someone under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The person's state of mind is less likely to be considering consequences for his actions as it would be reacting to the stimulus in the environment and situation that he is in at the time of the murder.
In the case of serial killers, the drive that motivates them is so deeply innate that consequences for their actions are not a deterrent.
Capital punishment is not an effective means for preventing murder, but it is an effective means of punishment for murder and serves to eliminate society from serial killers such as Ted Bundy. Ted Bundy while incarcerated had managed to escape and kill more women during his escape. His death ended his reign of terror and the risk of harm to others.
(I am quoting facts that I have learned through sociology classes and do not state an opinion for nor against capital punishment.)
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