>I'm really torn about this issue. Could I sit on a jury and vote for the death penalty for any human being? I really don't know, but I suspect not. I could inflict pain and punishment on someone who did the same to my child though.

You might want to look at Romans 13:3-5

3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. 5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake.