Why the Death Penalty is Dead Wrong
Most people argue that the death penalty is not a form of cruel and
unusual punishment. However, this is extremely inaccurate. Electric chair
victims can take up to 14 minutes to die, maintaining full consciousness as
their flesh begins to scorch and burn off. During lethal injection, "even a
slight error in dosage or administration can leave a prisoner conscious
but paralyzed with pain, serving as a witness for his own demise." The
following is an eye witness account of an Arizona gas chamber execution given
by Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens: "When the fumes enveloped Don's
head he took a quick breath. A few seconds later, he looked again in my
direction. His face was red and contorted as if he were attempting to fight
through tremendous pain. His mouth was pursed shut and his jaw was clenched
tight. Don then took several more quick gulps of the fumes. His body
started convulsing violently and his skin turned a deep red...the......
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