"I know something about killing. I don't like killing. And I don't think a state honors life by turning around and sanctioning killing."

Previous Quote

If we execute murderers and there is in fact no deterrent effect, we have killed a bunch of murderers. If we fail to execute murderers, and doing so would in fact have deterred other murders, we have allowed the killing of a bunch of innocent victims. I would much rather risk the former. This, to me, is not a tough call.

— John C. McAdams