besides all the numerous logistical reasons why the death penalty makes no sense, I also disagree with strongly on the grounds that States are illegitimate and should be given as little power as possible, ideally none. Giving the State the power to kill people puts it above the law. It also strengthens the State's monopoly on violence. Giving the State control over the strongest power structure encourages and enables oppressive regimes. The bureaucratic and abstract nature of the state also creates an atmosphere of lower feelings of responsibility and accountability among the individuals that belong to it, thus allowing injustices to happen more often and more seriously.