Should the U.S. have capital punishment?

Today, as we examined the Declaration of Independence, Jasmine was struck by the idea that governments are created to ensure that people have their rights to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." She said if that's true, if the government is supposed protect life, how can the government exercise capital punishment?

In our society, thirty-seven states allow capital punishment, while thirteen states do not. Last year, there were 42 executions. So the debate question of the day is:

"Should there be capital punishment in the United States?"