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How the Electric Chair Works

Stuff You Should Know

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From Hanging to Electrocution: A Shift in Execution Methods

This chapter explores the gruesome history of executions in the U.S., focusing on botched hangings and the public outcry that led to the search for more humane methods. The narrative details the infamous case of Roxalana Drews and the eventual transition to the electric chair as a solution, highlighting the scientific debates and ethical considerations involved. Furthermore, it delves into the rivalry between power systems and the key figures behind the electric chair's invention, raising questions about the moral implications of these execution methods.

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