"Which is the worst, the death penalty (being carried out), death penalty (remaining on death row), or life imprisonment?
As deterrent punishment none of these are effective as is regularly demonstrated. Once sentenced however?"
Justice aside for the moment, I think the worst may be the sleepless nights and anxiety he probably has and will endure. How does one live with one's self under such circumstances?
I don't think deterrence is much help here. I doubt he ever considered or balanced the "benefit" of what he did against the risk of being punished for it.
Justice in this case, perhaps, has the most benefit for others - just the fact that real justice, not knee jerk judgment or no judgment at all, would occur. There are men who serve their country knowing that it truly stands for what is right. Why else would one be a patriot?