I prefer number 2. Saves money.
Actually I’ve read where the death penalty is MORE expensive after you get done with the endless appeals, lawyer costs, etc. I’m not against the death penalty, just seems that we could streamline the process a bit. On the other hand, I’d rather be dead than live the rest of my life in prison.
A serious problem with imposing the death penalty for any but the most serious crimes is that a criminal who has not been caught but is marked for death has nothing to lose by anything he might do to avoid capture. While the death penalty may have a stronger deterrent effect than a prison term, the reduction in initial crime may be offset by the extra crimes that criminals do to avoid capture.