paul,

this is in america, the land of the apeal, suit and counter suit. the place where a man can be found not guilty criminally but guilty civilly and made to pay millions in damages to the victims family. in short this is country where money or public exposure can get any verdict you want at either the initial conviction or at an appeal.

this makes quite interesting reading as to another potential benefit of having the death penalty as an option.

http://www.seattleweekly.com/features/0345/031105_news_mossback.php

cheers

julian