Many people believe that the strongest argument against the death penalty is this: Human beings are not infallible. If we allow the death penalty, it is certain, or nearly certain, that innocent people will sometimes be put to death. This fact undermines whatever considerations might be offered in defense of the death penalty. We must not risk killing innocent people; therefore, we must abolish the death penalty.

One common response to this argument goes as follows: It's always regrettable when an innocent person is killed. But this doesn't mean that we have to abolish every social policy that leads to the death of innocents. After all, upwards of 100 Americans die every day in car crashes, but no one seems to think that we should outlaw automobiles.

What do you think of this response?