The Death Penalty: Multiple Methods of Execution

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The death penalty is one of the nation’s most hotly debated topic. Most Americans are either heavily in favor of execution or heavily opposed to it. In America, there are multiple methods of execution, lethal injection, firing squad, hanging, electrocution, and the gas chamber. Imagine, being strapped to a chair in various areas; usually the chest, groin, arms, and legs. A metal skullcap attached to your head, and then you’re blind folded. What might be going through your head? Were you wrongly convicted, or did you deserve death? There are two sides to every issue. While some say the death penalty is a flawed punishment method because it is irreversible, and innocent people have undoubtedly been put to death, others say the death penalty is a humane method of punishing brutal killers by granting them a quick and painless death. Background and Facts Although there are many methods of execution, the most common method in the United States is lethal injection. It is far less painful and more humane than any other forms of execution, critics counter that it has serious flaws that undermine any of the claims made for it (Lethal Injection). So why do we still have capital punishment? When there are always flaws, and pain cannot be taken away altogether. Also, lethal injection is a greater improvement over older methods of execution, such as hanging or the electric chair (Lethal Injection). During a hanging the prisoner’s hands and legs are secured, then he or she is blindfolded and led above a trap door. Where the noose is placed around the neck, with the knot behind the left ear. Before the execution the prisoner has to be weighed so the rope is measured correctly and ensures a quick and painless death. However, if execution is by... ... middle of paper ... ...versies on File: n. Pag. Issues & Controversies: Facts on File News Services, 19 Oct. 2007. Web. 27 Feb. 2014 Parks, Peggy J. “Current Issues: The Death Penalty. 2012: n. P. SIRS Issues Researchers. Web. 27 Feb. 2014 "Supreme Court Rulings: Constitutionality of the Death Penalty, Guidelines for Judges and Juries, Jury Selection, and Sentencing Procedures." Capital Punishment:Cruel and Unusual?. Kim Masters Evans. 2008 ed. Detroit: Gale, 2008. Information Plus Reference Series. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 20 Mar. 2014. “The Electric Chair: Cruel and Unusual Punishment? (Sidebar).” Issues & Controversies on File: n. Pag. Issues & Controversies. Facts on File News Services, 15 Sept. 2000. Web. 28 Feb. 2014 “Update: Death Penalty.” Issues & Controversies on File: n. Pag. Issues & Controversies. Facts on File News Services, 29 June 2009. Web. 27 Feb. 2014

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