Originally posted by Snrrub
No, it doesn't. It simply requires some simple analysis. For example, capital-punishment worthy crimes in which the death penalty is not sought are perfectly comparible to those in which it is sought. Also, it's not impossible to identify parts of a capital trial that simply wouldn't exist in a non-capital trial.
Which was exactly what I said. The statistic _as given_ is of no value, but compare specific instances and then it will be.