As far as the government is concerned, I do not think they had a choice. It was either give the undertaking or forget about Salem. I am personally against the death penalty as it does not really serve the purpose of justice. Many criminals are more than happy to die. Look at suicide bombers. A better way of delivering justice is to put them through rigorous rounds of punishment like 7 lashes, locking them in a stinking toilet for a couple of hours a day, using them as life-long labourers etc. Sessions on reforming themselves should also be held in order to help them reform. It is only the fear of a life of torture that will prevent others from comitting similar crimes.
