Illinois got rid of its death penalty last year. Missouri still has its death penalty but the pace of executions has slowed considerably.

In 1999, Missouri put nine people to death. But after five executions in 2005, there have been only two since: One in 2009 and one last year (Martin Link, who abducted and strangled an 11-year-old St. Louis girl, Elissa Self.)

A report in Time magazine points out that nationwide, legislatures, governors and judges and juries are moving away from supporting the death penalty.

From Time:

The Death Penalty Information Center reported last month that the number of new death sentences nationally was down sharply in 2011, dropping below 100 for the first time in decades. It also reported that executions were plummeting — down 56% since 1999.

Part of the reason is because of well-publicized cases in which people sent to death row have been exonerated. Cost is another reason. Putting a person to death, with all the legal challenges and court battles, is far more expensive than housing a prisoner for the rest of his (or her) life.

Supporters of the death penalty argue that it serves as a deterrent to crime, and that it's one sure way to know a person won't kill again. Opponents argue it's barbaric and handed out unfairly.

As a high school student, I remember arguing the issue in an American government class. The teacher asked all the students who supported the death penalty if they would feel that way if it were their own father or brother facing execution? Some hands dropped down.

Do you think capital punishment should remain an option? Or do you feel it should be banned?