Opponents claim all crimes are motivated by hate. I agree with the later. The fact that people torture, maim and kill others all because they don't like the color of their skin, ethnicity or religion is still a very sad commentary on our society. Even though I would like to see those who kill someone over race receive the same treatment as the victim, I don't think that is going to change the way people feel and turn a cold heart into a tolerant one. You cannot legislate the way people feel.
Some states have the death penalty, and Texas, for one, uses it frequently.
But it uses capital punishment as a deterrent. The irony is, if it was a deterrent, it would not have to use it. Just because we make penalties stronger, doesn't mean it is going to make crime go away or criminals change their behavior. Timothy McVeigh knew if he was caught he could be put to death. He was right, he is scheduled to be executed.