Why the death penalty is so expensive?

COSTS: Why the Death Penalty Costs So Much Death penalty cases cost more than ordinary cases because all the lawyers, judges, and other personnel will put more hours into preparing, trying, and reviewing the issues, given that a life is at stake. read more

But the death penalty is also growing more expensive with each passing year. A 2010 report prepared for the Judicial Conference of the United States found that between 1989 and 1997 the median cost of a federal death penalty case that went to trial was $269,139; between 1998 and 2004 it had grown to $620,932. read more

Jury selection: Because of the death penalty question, jury selection in capital cases is much more time consuming and expensive. Trial:Death penalty trials can last over four times longer, requiring juror and attorney compensation, in addition to court personnel and other related costs. read more