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Article: Florida court reviews use of electric chair; State's Supreme Court debates - again - whether electrocutions are a.(USA)
- Article from:
- The Christian Science Monitor
- Article date:
- August 25, 1999
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1999 The Christian Science Publishing Society. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Stonings, crucifixions, firing squads, hangings, gas chambers.
From biblical days to the late 20th century, accepted methods of execution have changed with the times and with technology. While early methods of capital punishment may make today's citizenry shudder, death-penalty opponents in Florida are arguing the state's use of the electric chair is just as brutal.
On Aug. 24, in a case in Florida's Supreme Court, the seven justices heard arguments about whether it is cruel and unusual punishment to strap convicts to a wooden platform and electrocute them.
Death-penalty supporters say death is instant and painless. Opponents say Florida's ...