A, B or C: you die anyway

Calahonda52 · 18-05-2021 12:33pm #1

https://www.rte.ie/news/us/2021/0518/1222269-south-carolina/

The US state of South Carolina has introduced a law requiring death row prisoners to choose between firing squad and electric chair after a lack of lethal injection drugs halted executions for a decade.

"This weekend, I signed legislation into law that will allow the state to carry out a death sentence. The families and loved ones of victims are owed closure and justice by law. Now, we can provide it," Governor Henry McMaster said on Twitter.

The pro-death penalty Republican wants to resume executions after a 10-year hiatus caused by a shortage of drugs used in lethal injections.

Hande hoche! · 18-05-2021 12:34pm

Nice to see coverage of pro choice Republicans for once.

Leg End Reject · 18-05-2021 2:46pm

I'd opt for the firing squad, at least it would be instant.

Hoboo · 18-05-2021 2:48pm

Leg End Reject wrote: »

I'd opt for the firing squad, at least it would be instant.

They shoot you in the shins and work their way up.

Wibbs · 18-05-2021 2:51pm

Leg End Reject wrote: »

I'd opt for the firing squad, at least it would be instant.

Not really. IIRC they go for heart shots, so if your heart stopped now you'd have maybe 10 seconds of consciousness before lights out.

iffandonlyif · 18-05-2021 2:51pm

Good lord, that really is barbaric. 'Closure and justice' shouldn't mean eye-for-an-eye.

Hoboo · 18-05-2021 2:52pm

iffandonlyif wrote: »

Good lord, that really is barbaric. 'Closure and justice' shouldn't mean eye-for-an-eye.

They're quite the primitive bunch.

Allinall · 18-05-2021 2:55pm

Give them enough rope and they'll hang themselves.

Saves on the labor costs.

the purple tin · 18-05-2021 3:01pm

iffandonlyif wrote: »

Good lord, that really is barbaric. 'Closure and justice' shouldn't mean eye-for-an-eye.

US are the only western nation still doing it. A first-world anomaly.

Leg End Reject · 18-05-2021 3:02pm

Wibbs wrote: »

Not really. IIRC they go for heart shots, so if your heart stopped now you'd have maybe 10 seconds of consciousness before lights out.

Bugger. Still sounds better than the electric chair though.

Are the soon-to-be-deceased given any happy drugs beforehand, or walked in fully aware?

theguzman · 18-05-2021 3:06pm

If only Ireland had a proper justice system here, instead free social housing and a printed million in welfare to habitually re-offend for the rest of their life.

starkid · 18-05-2021 3:09pm

iffandonlyif wrote: »

Good lord, that really is barbaric. 'Closure and justice' shouldn't mean eye-for-an-eye.

what about in the cases of multiple murders and violent rape?

I mean im against the death penalty for the most part, but in really serious crimes i'm unsure. What i do know is that life should mean life, at least behind bars. If somebody is dead in the ground for good, murdered in cold blood the person has no right to a normal judgement.

Gregor Samsa · 18-05-2021 3:30pm

It's a wingnut's wet dream, making condemned prisoners choose the manner of their own death. All that's missing is charging their families for the bullets or the electricity used.

Wanderer78 · 18-05-2021 3:35pm

Some humans are just disturbing, killing is not a solution to complex psychological issues and disorders

mariaalice · 18-05-2021 3:40pm

I would choose the firing squad, the meaning of an eye for an eye is not revenge or closer.

bigar · 18-05-2021 3:55pm

theguzman wrote: »

If only Ireland had a proper justice system here, instead free social housing and a printed million in welfare to habitually re-offend for the rest of their life.

Not sure what social housing and welfare has to do with the justice system.

I do hope you are not implying the US has a proper justice system? The 27 people in the last 20 years sentenced to death but later exonerated may disagree.

Then there is the questionable practice of having judges being elected by popular vote. This means they need to run for office as a politician does which opens them up to lobbying, hand-outs and corruption.

Many more things would indicate the US does not have a proper justice system.

corner of hells · 18-05-2021 4:25pm

theguzman wrote: »

If only Ireland had a proper justice system here, instead free social housing and a printed million in welfare to habitually re-offend for the rest of their life.

Would you thinking of offering the firing squad or electric chair instead as an option to free social housing .

Pherekydes · 18-05-2021 4:52pm

Allinall wrote: »

Give them enough rope and they'll hang themselves.

Saves on the labor costs.

Not an option! Firing squad or the chair. :pac:

Pherekydes · 18-05-2021 4:56pm

theguzman wrote: »

If only Ireland had a proper justice system here, instead free social housing and a printed million in welfare to habitually re-offend for the rest of their life.

I knew the "pro-lifers" would be along...

Feisar · 18-05-2021 4:57pm

Wibbs wrote: »

Not really. IIRC they go for heart shots, so if your heart stopped now you'd have maybe 10 seconds of consciousness before lights out.

And quite often the squad leader has to tootle over and finish the job with a revolver.

L1011 · 18-05-2021 4:58pm

the purple tin wrote: »

US are the only western nation still doing it. A first-world anomaly.

For first-world, Japan also still do it - and by hanging at that. Don't think there's many/any other democratic countries doing it any more - well, there's a few where they might still have elections but elect a despot.

Captain_Crash · 18-05-2021 5:04pm

L1011 wrote: »

For first-world, Japan also still do it - and by hanging at that. Don't think there's many/any other democratic countries doing it any more - well, there's a few where they might still have elections but elect a despot.

There are several first world countries who still have it, UAE, Singapore, Malaysia to name but a few! A lot of Caribbean countries also have it but I doubt it’s practiced! While researching this post I also discovered Belarus have it, not first world I know but a European country none the less!

Muppet Man · 18-05-2021 5:06pm

Not in favour of it. Too many innocent people with poor legal representation have died I fear. Especially in poorer nations. Its also used too liberally for some crimes in some countries. Being caught in a Homosexual act is death penalty in some radical Muslim countries, but is somehow legal in ireand. I think it should be banned worldwide due to this inconsistency. Also, the method of execution can he cruel as **** - 'stoning' for example is still a thing. It's a tough argument though against heinous crime nut jobs like Timothy mc veigh for example. Still I think he's better off in prison for the rest of his life. Its more of a punishment for him. All that being said, I didn't have an issue with the execution of saddam hussein, and the execution of bin laden. I'm far from consistent in the application of my morals.

L1011 · 18-05-2021 5:06pm

Captain_Crash wrote: »

There are several first world countries who still have it, UAE, Singapore, Malaysia to name but a few! A lot of Caribbean countries also have it but I doubt it’s practiced! While researching this post I also discovered Belarus have it, not first world I know but a European country none the less!

Despotic monarchy, dictatorship, and really not first world respectively.

starkid · 18-05-2021 6:02pm

bigar wrote: »

Not sure what social housing and welfare has to do with the justice system.

I do hope you are not implying the US has a proper justice system? The 27 people in the last 20 years sentenced to death but later exonerated may disagree.

Then there is the questionable practice of having judges being elected by popular vote. This means they need to run for office as a politician does which opens them up to lobbying, hand-outs and corruption.

Many more things would indicate the US does not have a proper justice system.

Its also a hugely complex society with 52 different states and laws,jurisdictions. 331 million people of different races, creeds, politics, culture and history living under the pretence of one America. People can go on till the cows come home about how the US should take its queues from Norway or the like but the reality is its in no way comparable to many many European countries. Its a terrible system at times, but without some of that system i'd go as far to say America would be in a much worse situation.

For profit prisions and the lobbying of judges is disgraceful i agree. Its so clearly obvious that it is open to corruption.

But with America, people need to tempter their judgement. There's millions of Americans who would think that allowing scum like Gerald Barry walk the streets on bail, is the other side of the coin, just as dispicable. And if we are truly honest, it is. People with multiple convictions, many for violent offence walking around our streets happy as LArry. **** that ****.

the problem with this debate is the same people would say imprisoning people like Barry for actual life is just as inhumane. genuinely warped beliefs.

Wibbs · 18-05-2021 6:51pm

Leg End Reject wrote: »

Bugger. Still sounds better than the electric chair though.

Are the soon-to-be-deceased given any happy drugs beforehand, or walked in fully aware?

Fully aware. Have to make them suffer don't you know.

odyssey06 · 18-05-2021 6:58pm

Am still waiting on the third option.

Does it involve a shark tank or a sack with a monkey and snake in it?

Why did they stop with hanging as an option if they are now going back to firing squad?

corner of hells · 18-05-2021 7:00pm

starkid wrote: »

Its also a hugely complex society with 52 different states and laws,jurisdictions. 331 million people of different races, creeds, politics, culture and history living under the pretence of one America. People can go on till the cows come home about how the US should take its queues from Norway or the like but the reality is its in no way comparable to many many European countries. Its a terrible system at times, but without some of that system i'd go as far to say America would be in a much worse situation.

For profit prisions and the lobbying of judges is disgraceful i agree. Its so clearly obvious that it is open to corruption.

But with America, people need to tempter their judgement. There's millions of Americans who would think that allowing scum like Gerald Barry walk the streets on bail, is the other side of the coin, just as dispicable. And if we are truly honest, it is. People with multiple convictions, many for violent offence walking around our streets happy as LArry. **** that ****.

the problem with this debate is the same people would say imprisoning people like Barry for actual life is just as inhumane. genuinely warped beliefs.

I have a question , when did the US start having 52 states ?

Captain_Crash · 18-05-2021 7:20pm

L1011 wrote: »

Despotic monarchy, dictatorship, and really not first world respectively.

Regardless of governance Singapore, Malaysia and the UAE are very much first world countries

Man Vs ManUre · 18-05-2021 7:23pm

Electric chair seems too painful to me. I’d choose being shot. At least it’s a more normal way to go!!

L1011 · 18-05-2021 8:12pm

Captain_Crash wrote: »

Regardless of governance Singapore, Malaysia and the UAE are very much first world countries

Malaysias HDI does not meet the standards to be considered a developed country, which is what people mean by 'first world' these days (as the cold war era concept that has Ireland in the third world is not used except by pedants or historians in context, but someone will mention it to try counter this point if I don't get there first)

Singapore and UAE do, but they are not democratic countries.

Captain_Crash · 18-05-2021 9:19pm

L1011 wrote: »

Malaysias HDI does not meet the standards to be considered a developed country, which is what people mean by 'first world' these days (as the cold war era concept that has Ireland in the third world is not used except by pedants or historians in context, but someone will mention it to try counter this point if I don't get there first)

Singapore and UAE do, but they are not democratic countries.

I didn’t know that about Malaysia.... that actually surprises me

branie2 · 18-05-2021 9:45pm

If I were on death row, I'd go for the firing squad

18-05-2021 9:49pm

theguzman wrote: »

If only Ireland had a proper justice system here, instead free social housing and a printed million in welfare to habitually re-offend for the rest of their life.

What does this have to do with anything?

Capt'n Midnight · 18-05-2021 9:53pm

L1011 wrote: »

For first-world, Japan also still do it - and by hanging at that. Don't think there's many/any other democratic countries doing it any more - well, there's a few where they might still have elections but elect a despot.

Japan has this nice thing where they don't announce the date of executions. So every morning ...

Actually now that I think about it's not that nice.

JustAThought · 18-05-2021 9:54pm

I wonder why hanging isn’t an option - or the guilletione? Reusable, relatively eco- friendly and quite cost efficient. Generations of countries used them successfully - and not as messy or traumatic for the staff as bullets, guns and human BBQ.

SCOOP 64 · 18-05-2021 9:55pm

Yeah firing squad for me i remember the Green Mile.

Bass Reeves · 18-05-2021 10:00pm

Pherekydes wrote: »

Not an option! Firing squad or the chair. :pac:

Believe it or not hanging is the most humane method of execution. The method was w LL refined by the time it is as done away with. Albert Pierrepoint had a man hanged in 7 seconds from the time he Pierrepoint entered the condemned man's cell. It's is the dislocation of the neck from the drop that kills.

Zaph · 18-05-2021 10:08pm

Captain_Crash wrote: »

While researching this post I also discovered Belarus have it, not first world I know but a European country none the less!

The retention of the death penalty in Belarus is one of the reasons that they haven't been admitted to the Council of Europe. I'd imagine Alexander Lukashenko being a complete and utter nutjob is another.

corner of hells wrote: »

I have a question , when did the US start having 52 states ?

Presumably it's 52 different legal systems - 50 states, District of Columbia and the Federal legal system.

corner of hells · 18-05-2021 10:32pm

Zaph wrote: »

The retention of the death penalty in Belarus is one of the reasons that they haven't been admitted to the Council of Europe. I'd imagine Alexander Lukashenko being a complete and utter nutjob is another.

Presumably it's 52 different legal systems - 50 states, District of Columbia and the Federal legal system.

Feckin' know all , will it be the chair or bullet for yourself ?

Capt'n Midnight · 18-05-2021 10:36pm

Zaph wrote: »

Presumably it's 52 different legal systems - 50 states, District of Columbia and the Federal legal system.

Puerto Rico abolished the death penalty in 1929.

ohnonotgmail · 18-05-2021 10:36pm

Gregor Samsa wrote: »

It's a wingnut's wet dream, making condemned prisoners choose the manner of their own death. All that's missing is charging their families for the bullets or the electricity used.

why do you think they conduct executions at midnight? they want to get the cheap night rate electricity.

* very obviously a joke so spare me the pearl clutching.

ohnonotgmail · 18-05-2021 10:39pm

JustAThought wrote: »

I wonder why hanging isn’t an option - or the guilletione? Reusable, relatively eco- friendly and quite cost efficient. Generations of countries used them successfully - and not as messy or traumatic for the staff as bullets, guns and human BBQ.

You seriously do not want the americans to hang you. Incompetent at best ranging to doing it wrong deliberately to make hanged man suffer more.

18-05-2021 10:49pm

L1011 wrote: »

For first-world, Japan also still do it - and by hanging at that.

And inmates don't get an execution date. They're given about an hour's notice.

y0ssar1an22 · 18-05-2021 10:53pm

Calahonda52 wrote: »

https://www.rte.ie/news/us/2021/0518/1222269-south-carolina/

The US state of South Carolina has introduced a law requiring death row prisoners to choose between firing squad and electric chair after a lack of lethal injection drugs halted executions for a decade.

"This weekend, I signed legislation into law that will allow the state to carry out a death sentence. The families and loved ones of victims are owed closure and justice by law. Now, we can provide it," Governor Henry McMaster said on Twitter.

The pro-death penalty Republican wants to resume executions after a 10-year hiatus caused by a shortage of drugs used in lethal injections.

prior to the choice, how was the death penalty fulfilled?

i reckon its better for all concerned to just not commit crimes that carry the death penalty!

ohnonotgmail · 18-05-2021 10:55pm

y0ssar1an22 wrote: »

prior to the choice, how was the death penalty fulfilled?

i reckon its better for all concerned to just not commit crimes that carry the death penalty!

it mentions it in the article. the previous choice was between Ol' Sparky and lethal injection, with lethal injection being the default.

y0ssar1an22 · 18-05-2021 10:59pm

ohnonotgmail wrote: »

it mentions it in the article. the previous choice was between Ol' Sparky and lethal injection, with lethal injection being the default.

so more choice.

personally id choose lethal injection after watching that movie with sean penn (i think). and yer man from the green mile :eek:

ohnonotgmail · 18-05-2021 11:00pm

y0ssar1an22 wrote: »

so more choice.

personally id choose lethal injection after watching that movie with sean penn (i think). and yer man from the green mile :eek:

no, the choice of lethal injection is gone. the pharmaceutical companies won't provide the drugs to them.

y0ssar1an22 · 18-05-2021 11:22pm

ohnonotgmail wrote: »

no, the choice of lethal injection is gone. the pharmaceutical companies won't provide the drugs to them.

whats the C choice so?

personally, i would choose option D...get rid of a death sentence. it serves no purpose only money saving as far as i can tell.

Zaph · 18-05-2021 11:50pm

y0ssar1an22 wrote: »

whats the C choice so?

personally, i would choose option D...get rid of a death sentence. it serves no purpose only money saving as far as i can tell.

It doesn't even do that. Between all the legal arguments and hoops that have to be jumped through rejecting appeals, as well as greatly increased costs for maintaining death rows, the cost of executing a person in the US is significantly more than jailing them for life. In 2018 a report found it cost $1.1m more per death row inmate than if they had been jailed for life. With almost 2,800 prisoners on death row there, that's an extra $3bn effectively wasted.

The DayDream · 18-05-2021 11:53pm

Leg End Reject wrote: »

I'd opt for the firing squad, at least it would be instant.

But as a fat English jowly bloke once said, 'Why stand when you can sit?'

A, B or C: you die anyway

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