The Electric Chair or Lethal Injection? Methods Used by the US Government to Kill Its Own Citizens
The USA has capital punishment in 31 states. In 2014, 35 prisoners across the country were executed. It was recorded that 8/35 executions occured in Florida. Texas had the second highest number with 10, but it was Montana that topped the charts with 11 (not that it is something to be proud of). The methods that are used varying slightly between each state.
1. the Lethal Injection
In 1977, medical examiner Dr Jay Chapman developed the lethal injection which renewed hope that executions could become more humane and efficient[1]. So what chemicals are actually in the needle itself?
There are three chemicals which work together to give the desired effect[2].
1. Sodium thiopental is an anaesthesia (which knocks out the individual).
2. Pancuronium bromide which is a paralytic chemical stopping the prisoner from moving.
3. Potassium chloride used to induce a massive heart attack.
Evidence suggests that the drugs themselves are problematic. Every year Americans have reported waking up halfway through surgery feeling pain and are unable to verbally communicate due to the combination of pancuronium bromide and sodium thiopental[4]. In Missouri a death row doctor became infamous for his botched executions. He presided over 54 cases and has been on the receiving end of 20 malpractice lawsuits. Because of his dyslexia, he frequently measured out the wrong amounts, so the prisoner would receive less anaesthetic[5]. Frighteningly, hundreds of botched executions have taken place since the uptake of the lethal injection.
2. The Electric Chair
Before the invention of the lethal injection, the electric chair or 'old sparkie' was the preferred method. Some states such as Alabama, Arkansas, Florida and Virginia allow electrocution if the prisoner specifically requests it.
3. Gallows
Most US states do not use the gallows anymore as a method of executiion. However, states such as the Delaware, New Hampshire and Washington all have gallows as a secondary option.
The Old Penitentary Boise, Idaho USA.
4. Gas Chamber:
5. Firing squad
1956 firing squad executing a dissendant during the Cuban Revolution
[1] Welsh, N 2012, ‘The Death Penalty is Experiencing Technical Difficulties’, Pacific Standard, November/Decemeber, p50-1.
[2] Welsh, N 2012, ‘The Death Penalty is Experiencing Technical Difficulties’, Pacific Standard, November/Decemeber, p51.
[3] Welsh, N 2012, ‘The Death Penalty is Experiencing Technical Difficulties’, Pacific Standard, November/Decemeber, p51.
[4] Welsh, N 2012, ‘The Death Penalty is Experiencing Technical Difficulties’, Pacific Standard, November/Decemeber, p51.
[5] Welsh, N 2012, ‘The Death Penalty is Experiencing Technical Difficulties’, Pacific Standard, November/Decemeber, p51.
