Suppose you are a member of a congressional committee that is determining the type of crime that can be punishable by death. What kinds of cases, if any, would you put on the list? The killing and sexual assault of a minor? War crimes? Killings of police officers or public figures? Multiple murderers? Mob hits or other cases in which someone gives an order to kill but does not carry it out himself or herself? Others? What about the premeditated killing of a physically abusive spouse?
Why would you pick out just those crimes on your list as appropriately punished by death or as the worst crimes? What ethical values can you cite to justify your choices?