Actually, in the us, it costs us more on average to execute most people than it would to keep them in prison for life, due to appeals. I don't think that someone should be executed unless they are guilty beyond a shadow of a doubt, and while this is usually not the case, even though the standard is beyond reasonable doubt, that is the case with Saddam Hussien.

I think the purpose of the death penalty is not really in the punishment of the gulty, but the appeasement of the victims...so, i dunno...