Foolproof Death Penalty?

The governor of Massachusetts has introduced a bill that would reinstate the death penalty in that state. According to the governor, the bill would ensure a virtually foolproof death penalty. His assessment of his bill:

"To the extent that is humanly possible," Mr. Romney said at a news conference, "this would not ever result in a questionable execution."

Of course, the big problem is the "humanly possible" part. Human possibility is no small limitation. There is no way to create a death penalty scheme that could ensure that no innocent person was executed. Don't get me wrong. I would trade Texas's death penalty scheme for what Gov. Romney has proposed any day. But foolproof? That's simply not possible, and Gov. Romney knows it.