With the state of California wracked by long-standing budget issues, there is wide acceptance that the death penalty system needs reform.

BBC: California to vote on abolishing death penalty

Recent studies of the federal death penalty system reveal that the average cost of defending a capital case are at least eight times those for defense of a non-death penalty case.

FORBES: Book Notes: A Citizen's Guide to Capital Punishment

"Because the Illinois death penalty system is arbitrary and capricious - and therefore immoral - I no longer shall tinker with the machinery of death, " he said announcing his decision on Saturday.

BBC: Calls for US death penalty review

Mr Ryan's successor is keeping the moratorium in place until the state's death-penalty system can be overhauled.

ECONOMIST: Texas produces another case for doubt

After Illinois imposed its moratorium, supporters of the death penalty claimed then that the system in that state was uniquely awful.

ECONOMIST: Murder One

Clearly, a system of justice culminating in the death penalty has had little deterrent effect.

ECONOMIST: Death and the American

South Africa doesn't use the jury system and doesn't have the death penalty.

WSJ: Oscar Pistorius Is Granted Bail

Allawi noted that the death penalty has been restored in Iraq, but said it was up to the Iraqi judicial system to decide Saddam's fate.

CNN: Iraqi leader: Saddam trial could begin in October

Edwards, a death penalty supporter, conceded that "serious steps" need to be take to improve the system so that innocent people aren't condemned to death.

CNN: Dems take Bush to task over proposed amendment

Because most Americans still support the death penalty in principle, abolitionists have had little choice but to welcome reform, even if it means improving a system they oppose.

ECONOMIST: Texas produces another case for doubt