Would you ever act as witness to an execution ?

I'm pretty sure I wouldn't want to, even in the case of a particularly heinous crime or crimes. I've pondered this often, over the years. The first post I ever composed and submitted on a site similar to this one was about televised executions, because of an interesting article I read...with arguments for and against. That is a different thing than I think you are asking, though, and is something I would definitely be opposed to.


If someone very dear to me personally was murdered, however, I can't really know for sure if I'd want witness them die. I don't think I would, but I can't know for sure.

That’s a “that depends” question.

My stance is - if I support the structure that permits execution (and a fair part of the time, I do), closing my eyes and turning away, is hypocrisy. My hands are no cleaner than the executioner’s. If I want it done, then I can’t pretend I’m not part of that structure.

That said, I do NOT support capital punishment unless it’s an ironclad case. I can’t say, “Oops, my bad,” and undo the error if they have already been executed.

So, it depends, and I don’t know.

Although I could never sentence someone to death as a jury member - for many reasons, including the fact that I believe life without parole is harsher, if the crime affected me personally - such as the capital murder of a loved one - and that was the sentence handed down, I'd witness it... while believing they got the easy way out.

Florida recently executed their 16th inmate this year.

For a rape and murder of a 6 year old girl...in 1979.

I neither support nor oppose capital punishment. Is what it is. What capacity there of that confuses me however is taking 46 years to provide closure for her now middle aged siblings.

I couldn't be a witness regardless of the circumstances.

I'd rather not but would if compelled for some reason. I don't think the death penalty is a universal evil, however it may be misapplied snd has been, so I guess I fall under the scope of your question.

As I understand it, the invited witnesses (other than the official ones like prison personnel) are those who were personally affected by the murder of a loved one.

I have no desire to watch someone be killed, and I cannot imagine that doing so would help me in my mourning.

I would not want to be a witness

I believe I have stated that I'm against the death penalty multiple times before.

Yet the reasoning solely because that death is far too easy an out. Yes some of these death penalty cases are unchangeable. Yet even they often want the death penalty themselves.

In other words, they want the easy way out. Not to change is easy. Death IS the easy way out.

Nah, no reason to. I've seen people get killed & I don't know if I'm traumatized but I know I don't get anything positive out of seeing anyone lose their life under any circumstance. People can do what they do. I don't have any reason to take part though

Yes but only if it was someone who had committed a very evil crime and whose guilt was unquestionable.

For this "beyond reasonable doubt" is not enough for me. No doubt would be the level I would need.

probably not. I ugly cried when two cats were put down and it was the most humane thing for them.

if it were someone heinous - I would either ugly cry or happy dance...neither would be appropriate

My experience with death would allow it but morals would not.

My nephew was murdered but it would only take a minute to have them in the chair. No one should have to live with that.

In extreme cases beyond doubt, I’m not against it, but witnessing it would never leave me so on a purely weak and selfish level, I would say no.

With today's technology and DNA proving murderers guilty beyond doubt I'd gladly pull the lever or press the button. Acting as witness would be a mere walk in the park.

@bijouxbroussard This person here is the reason why i feel this way He faced 78 years in prison for rape he strangeld women and videotaped it. There's mountains of evidence. Plus he admitted to it. One girl is in a wheelchair now because he deprived her of oxygen. He ddnt serve 1 day of jail. He got 150 hours of community service

So if he were up to me he would be flapping in the wind as strange fruit.

I'd suppose there might be some kind of situation where I would, but it would not be by choice or by personal belief in executions.

I would and i pray for the day

No. I couldn't.

I always wonder how people were able to back when public executions were a thing. It just seems wrong.

Only if it were my brother’s.

i would if the convicted committed a crime against family or friend...and i'd play this song [media=https://youtu.be/We_DLCYDaYw]

Would you, @bijouxbroussard?

Being pro or anti death penalty is not the issue for me. I simply have no desire to watch anyone die.

No, I’d be haunted forever.

No I would not want to watch that

No.

Just no.

I would prefer not to

Hell no

Probably not, unless it was personal, like they killed a family member.

No.

No.

No

No.

No