Saying inmates are not "regular people" devalues them. I read your post to have a meaning that the inmates life held less worth than a "regular person."
I see your point about the term "regular." Was not my post at any rate. I just took the OP to be pointing out the irony that you get life for crime outside of prison and death row for one inside. But as he pointed out himself, these things just happen based on circumstances and the particular attorneys, judge and/or jury.