Since they are already going to die, and we violate their ultimate right to live and have freedom, it is more efficient to use them for scientific advancement.
Death row inmates should be used for scientific experiments instead
but
score: 6
Capital punishment exists to punish crime, not to aid scientific study. Subverting the purpose of execution can create a perverse incentive structure, wherein a need for more scientific study may drive judges to sentence more convicts to death row than they otherwise would.
Part of the constraints of capital punishments in modern society is that they are quick and humane. We don't torture people.
Many forms of experimentation on criminals would likely be equivalent to torture and are inherently unethical because of the recurring harm they may cause.
They should have the choice: If they would rather die, then they have the right to die. If they would rather be experimented on, then they can have that option. It should be up to them.