Law created as protection

I have read 2 articles today regarding 2 men who have violated the law, and now stand trial and punishment for those actions.

Kenneth Boyd, a NC man who was convicted of killing his wife and her father, was the 1000th execution since 1977's capital punishment reinstatement.link His attorney is quoted as saying

The execution of Kenneth Boyd has not made this a better or safer world, his attorney Thomas Maher said. If this 1,000th execution is a milestone, it's a milestone we should all be ashamed of.

The execution of Kenneth Boyd was not meant solely to make this world a safer place, but to punish a man for breaking the law... twice. By taking the life of 2 people, and theexponentiallynally affecting lives of those who knew his wife and father-in-law. Where they bad people? Did they deserve to be die? I don't think that's for Kenneth to decide. Our legal system has been setup to protect those who follow the law, and bring about punishment for those that do not. If you would like some leniency concerning your crime, how aboutcommittingiting it. That would show great maturity on your part. One of his sons from a previous marriage is quoted as saying,
"He made one mistake and now its costing him his life,"said Kenneth Smith, 35, who visited with his wife and two children. "A lot of people get a second chance. I think he deserves a second chance." It is up to the judge for the second chance. Sometimes, the judge shows mercy.

From the other article,

In closing arguments earlier, prosecutor Debra Riva sought the death penalty, saying Smith was clear-headed enough to get rid of evidence and recount his crimes to his brother, which she said showed he was not impaired by a mental disorder or drugs. "He chose to prey upon a child for sexual gratification, Riva said.... He was under the influence of his urges, not under the influence of a mental disorder.
Defense attorney Adam Tebrugge argued for a sentence of life in prison without parole, saying it would punish Smith, protect society and provide a fitting conclusion to this horrific case.
The Joe Smith on Feb. 1, 2004, was a man in pain, ravaged by drug abuse and out of control, Tebrugge said. "The Joe Smith, the drug addict who was out of control, will never exist again because he will be kept away from drugs."
Carlie's mother walked out of the courtroom as Tebrugge made his case.

If the law had no natural consequence in place for those that defied its creation, then what good is it? If someone is convicted of a murder, and sentenced to death, why does it take so to fulfill the judgement? Scripture tells us, the wages of sin is death.

I don't know. Just something to think about. As I sit here trying to finish up this post, I'm not even sure what my final thought it. And I guess in life, there are some things that are ok to keep open-ended. And then there are some which require a firm stance of unwavering conscience.