# Prison executions : Who knew they were so expensive? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [April 7, 2017, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prison-executions-who-knew-they-were-so-expensive/783987 "2017-04-07T15:38:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Channing\_Idaho\_Banks](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/channing_idaho_banks/32/250_2.png) [@Channing\_Idaho\_Banks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Channing_Idaho_Banks)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2017, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prison-executions-who-knew-they-were-so-expensive/783987/21 "2017-04-14T17:29:45Z")
Rachel Maddow had more information on her show last night. [- YouTube](https://youtu.be/dvacehVZnnI) ---
**Author:** ![Unabashed\_Fascist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/c2a13f/32.png) [@Unabashed\_Fascist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unabashed_Fascist)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2017, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prison-executions-who-knew-they-were-so-expensive/783987/22 "2017-04-14T21:20:55Z")
> [@RitterSport](#): > > I assume you mean CO or nitrogen overdose. A CO2 overdose is anything but humane – it’s extremely painful and feels like you’re suffocating. You’d be gasping for breath and your lungs would be burning. Yeah CO2 would be no good if you’re looking for something painless. I agree on the point of Nitrogen. I remember back in my university’s chem lab we would have huge signs on all the closets, or otherwise enclosed areas, which clearly stated never to shut yourself in. Apparently this is due to improperly sealed containers leaking out. Specifically, N2 as a byproduct of liquid nitrogen easily and quickly displaces oxygen within confined spaces. Plus it’s colorless, tasteless, odorless and heavier than oxygen. People would pass out and suffocate before they even knew what was happening. Sounds to me like it would be perfect for humane execution, or even suicide. Plus it’s cheap. I wonder if there’s any good reason not to use it. ---
**Author:** ![MindsEye\_Watering](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mindseye_watering/32/3619_2.png) [@MindsEye\_Watering](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MindsEye_Watering)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2017, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prison-executions-who-knew-they-were-so-expensive/783987/23 "2017-04-14T21:21:59Z")
> [@Unabashed\_Fascist](#): > > Sounds to me like it would be perfect for humane execution, or even suicide. Plus it’s cheap. I wonder if there’s any good reason not to use it. My question, too. ---
**Author:** ![Buck\_Godot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/buck_godot/32/6573_2.png) [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2017, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prison-executions-who-knew-they-were-so-expensive/783987/24 "2017-04-15T14:47:51Z")
> [@Unabashed\_Fascist](#): > > Sounds to me like it would be perfect for humane execution, or even suicide. Plus it’s cheap. I wonder if there’s any good reason not to use it. I can’t say whether or not this counts as a good reason, but any form of gas chamber execution requires that the inmate take an active role in their own execution by inhaling the lethal substance. Many may opt to hold their breath, prolonging their suffering. ---
**Author:** ![Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/son_of_a_rich/32/5439_2.png) [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2017, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prison-executions-who-knew-they-were-so-expensive/783987/25 "2017-04-15T16:41:28Z")
> [@Buck\_Godot](#): > > I can’t say whether or not this counts as a good reason, but any form of gas chamber execution requires that the inmate take an active role in their own execution by inhaling the lethal substance. Many may opt to hold their breath, prolonging their suffering. Which suffering would be, afaik, less than when inhaling cyanide gas. It seems as if instant death (in so far as it’s possible) wouldn’t be enough- there has to be a modicum of discomfiture to the condemned. ---
**Author:** ![MindsEye\_Watering](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mindseye_watering/32/3619_2.png) [@MindsEye\_Watering](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MindsEye_Watering)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2017, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prison-executions-who-knew-they-were-so-expensive/783987/26 "2017-04-15T17:00:07Z")
> [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](#): > > Which suffering would be, afaik, less than when inhaling cyanide gas. > > It seems as if instant death (in so far as it’s possible) wouldn’t be enough- there has to be a modicum of discomfiture to the condemned. I thought lethal injection, when performed correctly, was supposed to eliminate discomfiture to the condemned? ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2017, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prison-executions-who-knew-they-were-so-expensive/783987/27 "2017-04-15T17:17:00Z")
> [@wolfman](#): > > Maybe for the middle of the season,but for sweeps it’s gotta be Lions. No, lions are for ordinary executions. For sweeps, you introduce the convict to a room full of hungry bears, lions, crocodiles, komodo monitor lizards and random other nasty carnivores. That way, you have a hurricane of violence and blood as they fight each other for the chance to attack the convictim. Streaming and on youtube, of course. ---
**Author:** ![Two\_Many\_Cats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8dc957/32.png) [@Two\_Many\_Cats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2017, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prison-executions-who-knew-they-were-so-expensive/783987/28 "2017-04-15T17:31:37Z")
How about the Monty Python sixteen ton weight dropping on them? Messy to clean, but cool to watch. ---
**Author:** ![Lumpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lumpy/32/446_2.png) [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2017, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prison-executions-who-knew-they-were-so-expensive/783987/29 "2017-04-15T17:33:13Z")
Whatever approved method of execution is used, there ought to be a “best effort” standard which condones the occasional botch. ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2017, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prison-executions-who-knew-they-were-so-expensive/783987/30 "2017-04-15T18:27:15Z")
There is now an temporary stay against using one of the drugs they had planned on using, so things may not be happening after all. I’d vote bullet but apparently that was hard on the executioner. How it would be harder than strapping someone down and injecting them with a lethal dose is hard to imagine. ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2017, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prison-executions-who-knew-they-were-so-expensive/783987/31 "2017-04-15T18:39:44Z")
Now a judge has put an injunction against carrying out any of the executions. > [@](#): > > In her order Saturday, US District Judge Kristine Baker said there was “a significant possibility” the inmates will succeed in challenging the execution protocol. She said the prisoners were entitled to challenge the execution method on grounds it “creates a demonstrated risk of severe pain.” > “The threat of irreparable harm to the plaintiffs is significant,” she wrote. > > Baker also said the state denied the inmates access to their attorneys. [Cite from CNN](http://www.cnn.com/2017/04/15/us/arkansas-executions-halted/index.html) Not surprisingly, the state is appealing. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2017, 7:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prison-executions-who-knew-they-were-so-expensive/783987/32 "2017-04-16T07:09:03Z")
If I were ever to be sentenced to be executed, I’d want to go like Land Phil in _Beerfest_. ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2017, 7:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prison-executions-who-knew-they-were-so-expensive/783987/33 "2017-04-16T07:41:19Z")
> [@Sunny\_Daze](#): > > I’d vote bullet but apparently that was hard on the executioner. How it would be harder than strapping someone down and injecting them with a lethal dose is hard to imagine. Try a bit harder then. ---
**Author:** ![Martini\_Enfield](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/martini_enfield/32/11123_2.png) [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2017, 9:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prison-executions-who-knew-they-were-so-expensive/783987/34 "2017-04-16T09:07:22Z")
> [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](#): > > Which suffering would be, afaik, less than when inhaling cyanide gas. > > It seems as if instant death (in so far as it’s possible) wouldn’t be enough- there has to be a modicum of discomfiture to the condemned. That’s my understanding of the objection to using Nitrogen as lethal gas - basically strapping the condemned to a chair in a gas chamber and then they just fall asleep and don’t wake up doesn’t fit the idea of “punishment” for some people. ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2017, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prison-executions-who-knew-they-were-so-expensive/783987/35 "2017-04-16T19:59:40Z")
> [@Ambivalid](#): > > Try a bit harder then. Well, firing squad. You are at a distance. There is a group. Some member has a blank, so you don’t really know if you are responsible. It is over quickly. Lethal injection. You are up close and personal. You, an individual, has to place the IVs. You are touching the person who will die and inserting the means of his death. Then there have been some catastrophic failures where the IV has to reset repeatedly. The drugs don’t work has expected (buttons pushed in another room or no - and someone has to push the buttons). Death can take a long agonizing time. IOW words, one is quick, and the shooters can have at least the personal illusion that they may not have directly killed someone. In the other method, there is no illusion. The executioners are all directly responsible. The execution method is flawed and can misfire drastically. Look at Oklahoma. Lethal injection could be clean and quick. We euthanize animals all across the country every day. I’ve done it myself while working as a vet tech. This is not for executions, for a variety of reasons. The personal level of capability to the execution team is much higher as well. I think it’s harder on everyone involved. YMMV. ---
**Author:** ![Beren\_Erchamion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/90ced4/32.png) [@Beren\_Erchamion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beren_Erchamion)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2017, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prison-executions-who-knew-they-were-so-expensive/783987/36 "2017-04-16T21:19:59Z")
Obviously, anyone who supports the death penalty is a moral degenerate. And while I sympathize with making these degenerates confront the barbarity of their crimes, every proposal to do so will also mean that their victims suffer additionally. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2017, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prison-executions-who-knew-they-were-so-expensive/783987/37 "2017-04-16T21:33:02Z")
> [@Two\_Many\_Cats](#): > > How about the Monty Python sixteen ton weight dropping on them? > > Messy to clean, but cool to watch. Cool to watch a fellow human being be crushed to death. [Piper adds **Two Many Cats** to his personal _List of Creepy People I’ve Run into on the Internet_.] ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2017, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prison-executions-who-knew-they-were-so-expensive/783987/38 "2017-04-16T21:40:19Z")
> [@Beren\_Erchamion](#): > > Obviously, anyone who supports the death penalty is a moral degenerate. > > And while I sympathize with making these degenerates confront the barbarity of their crimes, every proposal to do so will also mean that their victims suffer additionally. Ah - I didn’t know this was the thread on debating whether we agreed with the death penalty ourselves. I don’t, after maturing and thinking a lot. Prison for life works just fine for me. When I was younger, an eye for an eye had a certain appeal. I do sympathize with the families, very much. However, our system is flawed. Humanity is flawed. The state’s involvement makes me uncomfortable. I can’t support it. ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2017, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prison-executions-who-knew-they-were-so-expensive/783987/39 "2017-04-16T21:52:41Z")
> [@Rick\_Sanchez](#): > > I’m as anti-DP as they come, but I do wonder why, _if_ we’re going to have it, we need go to all this trouble to sanitise it. Either these people deserve to die, or they don’t. If they do, what’s wrong with a bullet to the head? Yeah, this pretty much sums up my feeling. I oppose the DP on technical grounds – no redress to grievance if you off an innocent person – and I understand the expense of the DP is a major factor in making it unattractive. But yeah, why _does_ it need to be so expensive? If you’re going to do it, then do it. ---
**Author:** ![FavreCo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/a698b9/32.png) [@FavreCo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FavreCo)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2017, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prison-executions-who-knew-they-were-so-expensive/783987/40 "2017-04-17T00:55:30Z")
He’s such a well behaved murderer. _The state’s Parole Board issued a non-binding ruling on Wednesday that McGehee should be spared from execution because none of his co-defendants were sentenced to death and McGehee has been an exemplary inmate during his 19 years in prison._ You have got to be fucking kidding. Just kill him already. He’s wasting oxygen. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prison-executions-who-knew-they-were-so-expensive/783987.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prison-executions-who-knew-they-were-so-expensive/783987.md?page=3)