On the contrary, murder demonstrates a lack of respect for human life. Executions give society an unmistakable message that human life no longer deserves respect when it is useful to take it and that homicide is legitimate when deemed justified by pragmatic concerns. A decent and humane society does not deliberately kill human beings. But who better to explain this than those who know firsthand of the deep hurt and pain that occur when a loved one is murdered. An evil deed is not redeemed by an evil deed of retaliation.
Justice is never advanced in the taking of a human life.
Morality is never upheld by a legalized murder. To say that the death of any other person would be just retribution is to insult the immeasurable worth of our loved ones who are victims. We cannot put a price on their lives. That kind of justice would only dehumanize and degrade us because it legitimates an animal instinct for gut- level, blood thirsty revenge.