[Xthe17th]

RE: death 'penalty' and capital 'punishment'

Both words express an intent to reform; 'punishment' just being the juvenile version of the more adult 'penalty'. But if someone is DEAD, they can't be reformed!

Let's just call it like it is - EXECUTION. And if we're gonna execute people, let's do it right - BY PUBLIC HANGING! Bring back the gallows and none of this nonsense of letting criminals wait around on 'death row' to maybe eventually be euthenized like a family pet. That way, the gravity of the situation will be made clear.

IMHO, too many judges are too quick to give the death sentance 'cause they know the convict will just wait around in limbo on death row. This way, if they know their sentance would result in an immediate HANGING, they'll be more careful in their judgements.

[meenie]

This action has to be disappointing to the trial lawyers. Think of all the appeals and job opportunities that have went down the drain.

[Six Bells]

And if we're gonna execute people, let's do it right - BY PUBLIC HANGING!

The Saudis believe that beheading is more humane.

Maybe they've done studies.

[Edmund Burke]

I agree. If the death sentence for serious crimes is to have its intended detering effect, the executions should be carried out in public, not in secret. The executions should be performed on the grounds of the county courthouse in the county where the crime was committed. Hanging, firing squad, beheading or other similar methods could be used. The electric chair could be used if it were mounted on a pedestal so that all could see. The executions should be performed on Saturday afternoons so that most people would have an opportunity to attend and since the children would be out of school.

[Wondervixen]

I like your Public Hanging policy. In the old days, you could count on a public hanging drawing out 15 to 20 thousand spectators. That's twice the number of people that show up for a Montreal Expos game.

THERE'S AN IDEA! Maybe Montreal could save their Expos if they held a Public Hanging at every game!!!

It'd sure give new meaning to the "7th Inning Stretch".

[Wolfstar]

With respect, Xthe17th, you are mistaken as to the meaning of "penalty," and "punishment." When used in a judicial context, they are synonyms. Following are the Mirriam-Webster definitions:

PENALTY: the suffering in person, rights, or property that is annexed by law or judicial decision to the commission of a crime or public offense.

PUNISHMENT: (a) suffering, pain, or loss that serves as retribution, (b) a penalty inflicted on an offender through judicial procedure.

Some forms of penalty/punishment are fines, incarceration, and execution.

Clarity of word meaning aside, I agree with you central premise that the length of time it takes to execute killers is too long, and that the lethal injection method is too sanitized.