2006-12-31 20:55:50 · 7 answers · asked by Richard S 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Albert Pierrepoint explains it in his autobiography "Executioner Pierrepoint". Height and weight; with the starting point a chart prepared by the Home Office.
2006-12-31 21:11:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 0⤋
My Grandfather worked at Folsom Prison in the 1930s and 1940s back when California still hung people (and apparently did it there, becfor all executions were moved to San Quentin). He witnessed a few and was told how they do it. He mentioned it to me years ago. It's a little bit of an art, but distance of the fall and weight do play a role. Additionally, my grandfather mentioned that guys who had been incarcerated a long time got soft and so wouldn't require as much distance to break the neck. Executioners took this into account. If a person falls too far, the force can take the person's head off, so one needs to really think about it.
2007-01-01 06:55:55 · answer #2 · answered by Erik B 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's a very tricky matter. The person's height, weight and physical condition all have to be figured into the calculation. Make the drop to long and the head pops off. Make it too short and the person strangles.
2007-01-01 08:14:58 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
there is a set amount of veolocity of the fall required to break the neck. hence velocity=mass x acceleration, a lighter person would need a great fall than a heavier person in order to execute the person immeadietely via breaking the neck (death does not occur by asphyxiation)
2007-01-01 05:00:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Quick death by neck break. Yes, weight plays a role. How far? not really important, but the feet should be at least 4 feet above ground when dangling. (So morbid, I can't believe I am writing this).
Saddam Hangsein, apparently died by neck break according to reports. One report said "..it was lightning fast..."
2007-01-01 05:06:29 · answer #5 · answered by Nightrider 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Years ago, before they calculated the drop they had an individual stand below and if the person did not die they would grab their feet and add their body weight until death!!
2007-01-01 10:07:06 · answer #6 · answered by FEVER 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's a formula with weight being the most important aspect.
2007-01-01 11:22:27 · answer #7 · answered by 34th B.G. - USAAF 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋