Methods Of Execution

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The
first jolt, between five-hundred and two-thousand volts depending on the size of
the prisoner, is given for 30 seconds. Smoke will begin to come out of the
prisoner's leg and head and these areas may catch fire if the victim has been
sweating profusely. A doctor will examine him and if he still shows life signs,
more jolts of two-thousand volts are administered to finish the job (Matthews).
A main reason for electrocution's original use was the thought that death was
immediate. Unfortunately this is not the case. Doctors today believe that the
victim feels "himself begin burned to death and suffocating since the shock
cause respiratory paralysis as well as cardiac arrest. Because the energy of the
shock paralyzes the muscles, he cannot cry out, and therefore is presumed dead
("This is your death..."). How ironic that one reason electrocution was kept in
use was that, although expensive, it was immensely serene as far as the prisoner
is concerned.
Still used extensively ...

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After nearly and hour of misery the officials take the fifth and
final shot into the heart (Hoff and Petrucelli). It is astounding how one
country will do all humanly possible to try to make death a quick and easy
procedure while another tries to do all they can to make it as painful and
agonizing as possible.
The gas chamber, most famous for its abundant use during World War II,
is the method used in Nevada and California and is also used in the Philippines.
The prisoner is led into a room and fastened to a metal chair with perforated
seats. Straps are secured across his upper and lower legs, arms, groin, and
chest. A long stethoscope is also affixed to his chest so that a doctor ...

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