More states are joining a growing move to stop death penalties because of the high cost involved. The move, spearheaded by Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, has on its side the states of Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska and New Hampshire which are pushing for legislations that will repeal the death penalty.

O'Malley said death penalties cost three times compared to homicide cases. With the economic crisis gripping the nation, previous death penalty advocates like New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, are reconsidering their position.

Experts said the bills repealing death penalty laws have good chances to be approved in Maryland, Montana and New Mexico. Richardson hinted he may sign the law which was passed by the state House last week. Aside from concerns that there cases of miscarriage of justice are on the rise in New Mexico, the governor admitted his prime consideration is cost.

Those opposed to the repeal of capital punishment said the initiative is short-sighted and may lead to more crimes. Scott Shellenberger, Baltimore Country attorney who opposes the repeal legislation, asked, quoted by the New York Times, "How do you put a price tag on crimes that don't happen because threat of the death penalty deters them?"

Meanwhile, in Richmond, Virginia, the General Assembly passed a bill that eliminates the triggerman rule, which made criminals who took part in a murder qualified for death penalty even if they did not actually performed the killing. The bill covers only murders of an auxiliary police officer, auxiliary sheriff's deputy, fire marshal and an assistant fire marshal with police powers.