This somewhat morbid article discusses how our very own Buffalo, NY was the birthplace of the Electric Chair (Seen Below). Invented by the dentist, Alfred Southwick, he felt that civilization had come far enough in technological advancements for there to be change in the punishment for criminals. Little did William Kemmler know that he would suffer through much more than he intended. Kemmler from Buffalo, was the first ever to be electrocuted for punishment via the death sentence. Unfortunately, he was somewhat of a guinea pig when it came down to finding out how long it takes to death to occur. Initially he was shocked for only 17 seconds until they killed the power. Kemmler, not yet dead was burning in agony as he had to wait for the chair to re-power. He was then shocked for over a minute, in a much disgusting manor.
After studying the debates amongst harsh punishment for what could be wrongful convictions, do feel that our society has gone about reprimanding criminals in a just manor?
Certainly, Kemmler had somewhat of a disadvantage in that he had to endure much suffering. Do you feel that all the states should follow suite as New York State did and get rid of the death penalty?
Article Link: http://www.examiner.com/true-crime-in-buffalo/buffalo-dentist-makes-electric-chair-a-reality
I honestly believe the electric chair is a terrible punishment for criminals. Is it morally right to sentence an individual to death just because they did a terrible crime? Sure, everyone should be punished, but the capital punishment is not effective. In my opinion, I think sentencing someone to death who killed another individual is a contradiction.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree, Omar. It is definitely a contradiction for one to die because he killed another. I am not a supporter of the death penalty because I feel that a criminal should serve out his sentence. I believe that it is more of a punishment for someone to spend his life in a jail cell, because the death penalty brings release from all obligations and guilt. Also, after everything we have learned in class about wrongful convictions, it is possible to set an innocent person free from jail, whereas it is impossible to bring someone back to life.
ReplyDeleteI also believe that it is more of a punishment for someone to spend the rest of their life in prison, but it should not be easy. We shouldn't play God and take the life of another human being. that person should be punished and making life miserable for them in prison for the rest of their lives is a good way to do that. I feel like some of these murderers would rather be killed, at least they would get the easy way out and not have to deal with their punishment each and every day.
ReplyDeleteAfter our unit on crime and deterrence, I still hadn't fully developed my own opinion in regards to being for or against the death penalty. If I had to choose, it would be against capital punishment. When reading this article and the following comments, I felt even more against it. As mentioned above, capital punishment is basically an escape for the criminal from all the suffering and regret they should be experiencing in prison. Rather than the death penalty, a life sentence in jail would be more effective for people or families affected seeking justice. Also discussed in class, with the number of wrongful convictions at a high number, who are we to take away an innocent life? I'm glad NYS has gotten rid of the death penalty, as should other states in the future.
ReplyDelete