Answer:
I would say that I stand between these two arguments. Many criminals have sadistic minds and do not care for what happens to them. Thus, to them it would not matter whether they get the death penalty or not. They would just see it as a way of 'fun' in their own minds. Also, many criminals could have their own ways of getting away the crimes that they have committed. It is successful because many fear death, unlike those with twisted minds. In the end, all minds are twisted are they not for committing murders or such? Overall, I think that it is acceptable for murder yet not for convincing people to not commit crimes.