I have no sympathy for Smith but that's never been why I am opposed to the death penalty. I think it damages society.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68085513
Michael Portillo's program on capital punishment came to the conclusion that, if you are going to execute people, nitrogen is the most humane way to do it. Interestingly, and perhaps predictably, he interviewed somebody from a Southern state who objected to the idea because he thought execution should be painful.
I don't think there is any place for it in a modern society.
