The death penalty is one of the most controversial issues facing our country today. The population is divided between support and opposition to the death penalty. Supporters would say it's a deterrent to future crimes. They would also say that taxpayer dollars will not pay for the care of these individuals. The opposition would say that the cost of the death penalty is actually higher than the cost of life imprisonment. They also believe the deterrent argument is questionable. (meggiem, 2012) There is evidence that contradicts supporters' claims. First, there is evidence to suggest that the death penalty costs more than a life sentence. Take a look at what the death penalty means for the state of California. Death penalty trials last on average about two years, from the court hearing to the verdict. (Magagnini, 1988) The cost of a death penalty trial is approximately $592,500. That's nearly six times more than a murder trial, which costs $93,000. (Magagnini, 1988) Death penalty trials cost on average about $7,500 per day for 79 days. Standard homicide cases cost about $6,200 a day and last about 15 days on average. (Magagnini, 1988) Additionally, the state spends approximately $2.8 million on special housing for death row inmates. $1.8 million for prosecution on appeal and $7.6 million for defense of convicted prisoners on appeal. Overall, the death penalty costs about $90 million a year. (Magagnini, 1988) Furthermore there are the federal costs, on average this is 1,000 hours of legal work which translates into approximately $75,000 paid by taxpayers. (Magagnini, 1988) Another argument that supporters like to make is that the death penalty is a deterrent to future crimes. Well, there is evidence that contradicts this. The D... at the center of the document... December 20, 2013, from American Civil Liberties Union: https://www.aclu.org/capital-punishment/case-against-death-penaltyBooth, M. (2013, 3 June). There is no credible evidence to show whether the death penalty is a deterrent, experts say. Retrieved November 18, 2013, from The Denver Post: http://www.denverpost.com/ci_23374844/no-credible-evidence-whether-death-penalty-deters-expertsDeath Penalty Information Center. (n.d.). Innocence: list of those released from death row. Retrieved November 20, 2013, from Death Penalty Information Center: http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/innocence-list-those-freed-death-rowMagagnini, S. (1988, March 28). Closing death row would save the state $90 million a year. The Sacramento Bee, 5. meggiem. (2012, March 31). The pros and cons of the death penalty. Retrieved November 18, 2013, from Pro/Con Lists: http://www.proconlists.com/list/government-politics/the-death-penalty/9