Public Hangings :: essays research papers

Capital punishment seemed to have been regen dateted from the beginning of mankind, where decollate was considered an honorable method of meeting death, whereas hanging carried with it a definite stigma. The era of public hanging was emotionally satisfying even though the milieu was emotionally tense. In contrast to private hangings where they were fewer observers, less agency from the accuse and hanging was becoming more of an inhuman punishment to levy on those found guilty of their crime. Both forms of hangings were though to be an effectual way of preventing individuals from committing a crime. Capital punishment seemed morally acceptable, to the public and there were individuals who were willing to carry out the execution. From the books "Hang By the Neck", hanging in the Balance and The trail of the Dinosaur, gives descriptions of public and private hangings, the responsibilities of the hangman and the general chemical reaction of the public, who were for and ag aints hangings. In the days of public hangings, gallows or scaffolds were rather crude contraptions. archaeozoic contraptions consisted of two post in the ground, with a cross-piece between them from which the victim swung. As the years passed by a second contraption was invented, a angiotensin converting enzyme stout post with a timber nailed at a near angle at the top, with supporting boards attached. A third contraption was do which was a platform erected nine or more feet from the ground, in the eye of which was a trap door which swung upon hinges. This latest invention was commonly apply towards the end of public hangings. In private hangings the same contraption was used, still the individual were taken down a lot quicker, for their was no accept to display the executed to curious observer. Public executions were grim and was a smelly spectacle to the accuses family and close friends, but for most individuals it was a time to rejoice and to celebrate. When a crowd ass embled to witness a public event, they were out in a holiday mood. Hundreds of people came from long distances to view a hanging, concessionaires had money invested in trinkets and food to be sold at what they called jamborees. Public hanging were lots imitated in plays, which were seen as despicable form of entertainment towards the victim and the accuses family. The scenes attendance the hangings were for large gatherings from far and near, mostly bent on idle infrequency or for a grand jollification.