Execution by Firing Squad in Utah
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8641280.stm
I realize that this may be considered a somewhat morbid topic by some and it is not my intent to offend anyone. However it is something that WILL happen under the color of the Law, so...
It is a touchy subject, but seeing that "unusual or cruel" punishment must be avoided, I assume that some thought must go into the hardware used to bring about a swift, relatively painless and decisive death.
What is the protocol for this? Or what should the setup be? Weapon choice, caliber and ammunition? Hollow points? Hours are spent discussing "what caliber for...(insert critter/criminal assailant of choice)" yet I have not seen this topic discussed anywhere before. What is the "humane" choice?
I am sure that in military circles the service rifle du jour and standard issue ammo is what is probably going to be employed, but what about civilian scenarios? Most prisons have .223 caliber rifles and shotguns as guard weapons. Are those the weapons that get used? Or is there a special armory that contains purpose specific rifles and cartridges?
On a final note, large bore, high power weapons are not necessary to bring a quick death during executions, as evidenced by the Katyn massacre. Still, I assume that particular soviet technique is frowned upon and is not what will be employed in US criminal justice.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8641280.stm
I realize that this may be considered a somewhat morbid topic by some and it is not my intent to offend anyone. However it is something that WILL happen under the color of the Law, so...
It is a touchy subject, but seeing that "unusual or cruel" punishment must be avoided, I assume that some thought must go into the hardware used to bring about a swift, relatively painless and decisive death.
What is the protocol for this? Or what should the setup be? Weapon choice, caliber and ammunition? Hollow points? Hours are spent discussing "what caliber for...(insert critter/criminal assailant of choice)" yet I have not seen this topic discussed anywhere before. What is the "humane" choice?
I am sure that in military circles the service rifle du jour and standard issue ammo is what is probably going to be employed, but what about civilian scenarios? Most prisons have .223 caliber rifles and shotguns as guard weapons. Are those the weapons that get used? Or is there a special armory that contains purpose specific rifles and cartridges?
On a final note, large bore, high power weapons are not necessary to bring a quick death during executions, as evidenced by the Katyn massacre. Still, I assume that particular soviet technique is frowned upon and is not what will be employed in US criminal justice.
