Many are using the reintroduction of the death penalty for personal political gains under the notion "that it can make America a safer and more just place", said Sarat in The Guardian.

A judge ruled Thursday that prosecutors can seek the death penalty against a Kernersville woman accused of beating her mother to death last year.

Payne insisted the children starved themselves to death once they realized they weren't going to be allowed to live with their mother. He told police he placed Tyler with Ariana in the tub.