Answers (1)
Most people think the death penalty was created by humans out of the need to punish a person for killing another person or persons. However man, even in there imperfect state of mind had an example they followed.
The first human pair, Adam and Eve, were placed in an earthly paradise. If they had remained obedient, they would not have died. Death was to result only if humans disobeyed God. (Genesis 1:28; 2:15-17) Sadly, Adam and Eve did disobey their Creator. As a result, they paid the penalty—death.
Since all humans have descended from Adam and Eve, all have inherited sin and death. Thus the "Death Penalty", was implemented. Romans 5:12 says, "That is why, just as through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because they had all sinned".
God also made a way to repair the sentence pronounced on humans because of that one man, (Adam).
Because God can read the heart of a person, he can determine if that person is deserving of that penalty or not.
Humans although not having that capability, however have to set up laws based on their own discernment.
For a more complete understanding on this and other related subjects please consider jw.org