[ThePythonicCow]

there is little chance that the spine would be missed - that shuts things down instantaneously

I recall reading that even beheading does not result in instant total loss of consciousness, so I doubt that severing the spine, even at the neck, would be instant. Rather I'd expect some elements of mental life to continue for another 20 or 30 seconds, perhaps.

[dalereed]

Lay on flat slab, drop 10 ton flat matching slab.

[doc1019]

I don’t care about instant death … just death as punishment for deeds done. Only the bleeding hearts amongst us care about the suffering of the criminal.

Shoot them, electrocute them, burn them, cut their heads off, hang them, bury them alive … just execute them.

The only reason that this is a matter for discussion is that there are some that think that murdering scum should not suffer (unlike their victims).

If mental life continues for several seconds after beheading (or whatever method used), so be it, gives them time to reflect on their misdeeds. I’m sure their victims would not care.

[spanalot]

the concussion of the bullet hitting the spine and the spinal chord appers to cause 'dont know what hit em' - at least in deer.

[TheWriterTX]

You are correct.

[mamelukesabre]

The human brain remains conscious for 7.5 seconds without any blood at all, as I remember. Upon severing the head, It surely takes a few seconds for all the blood to drain out. The 7.5 seconds would start then. I would guess a severed head would lose consciousness in about 10 seconds.