ving through the applications of electricity at very high voltage and having to reapply electricity until death. The eyes of the executed are commonly covered so that they do not fall out. Lewis E. Lawes, for many years was the warden at Sing Sing Prison in New York, had this to say about what happens in the electric chair: "The prisoner leaps as if to break the strong leather straps that hold him down. Sometimes a thin wisp of smoke breaks itself out from under the helmet that hold the head of the electrode, followed by the faint odor of burning flesh. [The body heats to 130 degrees, a little less than rare roast beef.] The hands turn red, then white, and the cords of the neck stand out like steel bands." Supporters of the electric chair say it is no different than being naturally struck by lightning, which is an instant death. Though it is debated whether the electric chair is cruel and unusual, it cant be compared to the executions in ancient Persia where condemned prisoners were often eaten alive by insects and vermin. During the middle ages common executions varied from mutilation, amputation, impaling, flaying, crucifixion, boiling in oil, drawing and quartering, breaking on the rack and burning at the stake.Though executions are ongoing in the U.S., there are limits to what crimes are deemed punishable by the death penalty. For example any murder in the first degree may be worthy of capital punishment. This itself is another issue that displays how this nation lays its foundation on the constitution and the arguments that it brings about since it is a matter of interpretation. Since the people of this country usually do the interpreting of the constitution, the decisions are made by the people, which exemplifies what this democracy stands for. It is very possible that the rulings on capital punishment may one day change. Though 70% of Americans support the death penalty, the way the constitution is set up and how much weight this...
