When you add in the non-death row cases, that number is actually larger. Because our criminal punishment system needs massive reform. I do not call it a justice system, because there is no justice in it.
“For social order we need tighter reigns! Incarceration hasn't worked as a deterrent, I say we expand execution to include lesser crimes!” - Chief Judge Griffin, Judge Dredd (1995)
But the point is, don't give out a power that will be abused. It's that fucking simple.
Do not give the government the power to kill its own citizens, and the government will stop abusing that power. I don't know why this is a hard concept to understand.