Since 1976, 406 people have died by the lethal injection in the United States.
Probably the most well known and most feared form of execution is the electric chair. In a typical execution using the electric chair, a prisoner is strapped to a specially built chair, their head and body shaved to provide better contact with the moistened copper electrodes that the executioner attaches. Usually three or more executioners push buttons, but only one is actually connected to the electrical source. This protocol was introduced as many executioners became too disturbed by what they were doing to the prisoners that they could not live with themselves. .
Electricity is passed through the prisoner's body until they are pronounced dead. This often takes more than one attempt, and occasionally causes horrific scenes when the prisoners body combusts.
Today the electric chair is used in 11 states. Since 1976, 144 people have died in the electric chair.
Firing squads, gas chambers and hangings are also used throughout the United States, but with the lethal injection and the electric chair being regarded as such effective forms of execution, there is less need for these methods, which are regarded as being more "primitive".
Surprisingly enough, these are not the only forms of execution used today. In other countries, mainly Asian, stoning is still used, and some countries even use crucifixion. .
There are many crimes which can be punishable by the death penalty, and they vary from country to country. In America, the majority of prisoners on Death Row are there for being found guilty of serious crimes, such as murder or rape, but in other countries, particularly in Asia and Africa, the death penalty can be given for crimes including drug dealing, treason and stealing.
Another aspect of the death penalty which many people find upsetting, is the place where the prisoners spend their final years - Death Row.
