Professor Scott Howe of Chapman University School of Law has this article on SSRN on the California death penalty expense debate.  Unlike some other recent, much-publicized writings on the subject, Howe actually read and thought about the arguments of proponents as well as opponents.

I disagree with Howe's conclusions that reform efforts are hopeless and that abolition is the lesser evil, and I will have more to say on that later.  For now, he deserves credit for at least taking a balanced look.  Thanks to Doug Berman for the tip.