I used to support the concept of the death penalty, but always with the rider ‘when you can prove categorically that you have the right person’. I’ve long since changed my stance and beleive it is wrong for anybody, even on behalf of the state, to talk a life premeditatedly. I’m also unhappy with the idea of taking life in defence of you and yours, but recognise that sometimes it might occur, and to charge somebody with murder for such an occurrence would be wrong.
Of course there is lots of nuance in the above statement, but I think my intent is clearly stated.