in a perfect theoretical world, I wouldn't mind having sending people to live out the rest of their lives in solitude to think about what they have done.
However, there are so many practical things we have to think about.
What if they escape? Where would we keep them? Who will make sure they stay where they are?
So they thus become a burden on society. Are we going to spend lots of tax dollars to keep these people alive for years upon years upon years? I hear its about 60,000 a year (USD) to maintain a jail cell for a year. And then overpopulation of prisons-- so many things to think about!
With all things considered, i would probably reserve the right to use the death penalty for the worst of the worst sociopaths. The rest, I would have them work and pay their back to society by mining minerals or making liscense plates or something-- anything so that they can help to carry their own load in jail.
That, though, brings on even more issues ::sigh::
