Stuff You Should Know How the Electric Chair Works
Apr 11, 2019
Discover the electric chair's surprising origins and its controversial role in American capital punishment. Delve into the ethical dilemmas and gruesome history behind this method, including infamous cases of botched executions. Explore the rivalry between power systems that influenced public perception and hear about the first person executed by this method. The discussion humorously contrasts the seriousness of the topic with personal reflections, ensuring an engaging journey through a dark yet fascinating part of history.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Botched Hanging of Tom Ketchum
- In 1901, Tom Ketchum's head was ripped off during a hanging in New Mexico.
- This, among other botched hangings, fueled public distaste for the method.
Roxalana Drews' Botched Hanging
- Roxalana Drews, convicted of murdering her husband, was slowly strangled during a botched hanging in 1887.
- Public outcry over this incident further propelled the search for a more humane execution method.
Jerry Commission's Findings
- New York sought a more humane execution method due to public opinion and botched hangings.
- The Jerry Commission, formed in response, investigated 34 methods but found none better than hanging.