Methods of Death

Executions are usually performed at midnight – when everything else is quiet at the prison. The prisoner is led into the room where he is to die, secured to a chair or table, and fitted with heart-rate monitor. He is then left alone. Select witnesses watch the execution through a special viewing window. After the prisoner has died, a doctor signs a death warrant and the body is taken to a morgue where it is prepared for burial.

The following are legal methods of execution in the USA:

The convict is strapped down to a table, arms stretched out in a cross. An attendant inserts an intravenous (IV) tube, similar to those used for anaesthesia during surgery, into the convict's arm. From behind the window, a corrections officer presses a button that releases a deadly dose of barbiturates through the IV. The convict falls into a deep sleep, his heart rate and breathing slow and, within minutes, stop.

The convict is strapped into a chair in an airtight room. From outside the room, an attendant causes sodium cyanide pellets to be dropped into a bucket of acid located located beneath the convict'schair.The fumes cause death withinten minutes.

The convict has a hood placed overhis head and has his hands bound behind the back. He is led to a platform and a noose is placed over his head. The attendant causes the platform beneaththe convict’s feet to fall away quickly. Theforce of the drop snaps the spinal cord.Death occurs within seconds. A common form of execution in the nineteenthand early twentieth century, hanging islegal in only three states today.

The convict is strapped into a wooden chair, a helmet is placed on his head and the helmet is strapped to a brace behind the chair.Electrodes are attached tothe head and one leg. The warden flips a switch causing five amperes of currentat 2,000 volts to flow into the body.The electricity interferes with brain andnerve function and causes death withinthree minutes.

The convict has a hood placed overthe head and is made to stand againsta concrete wall. On command, a dozen shooters take aim and fire severalrounds into the convict.Depending onthe number ofbullets and their placement, death may be instant or take several minutes. Once a common form ofmilitary execution, the firing squad is legal only in one state today.

a. Firing Squad

b. Electrocution

c.Gas chamber

d. Lethal injection

e. Hanging

B) Read the article again and say what method of death is the most humane. Give proof of your viewpoint.

C) Make a list of 5-10 crimes that you think deserve capital punishment. Compare your list with your partner’s and discuss it in the group.

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