Study : Increased costs include higher security needs and guaranteed access to an often lengthy pardon and appellate process . Death penalty sentences can average $ 500 or more per year per person than life terms . Eleven state legislatures have considered eliminating the death penalty this year . Study relied on U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics data from ten large urban counties .
Study : Death penalty sentences can average $ 500 or more per year per person than life terms . Eleven state legislatures have considered eliminating the death penalty this year . Study relied on U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics data from ten large urban counties .