2007-07-07 06:35:24 · 9 answers · asked by k.rose75 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
There are several reasons for this. Apart from its usefulness as an antiseptic, alcohol causes blood vessels to rise to the surface, making it easier to insert the needle.
More important, there's a chance the prisoner's sentence might be delayed or commuted at the last minute.
It's happened before. In October, 1983 condemned murderer James Autry was strapped to a gurney for an hour in a Texas prison with saline solution dripping into his arm. (He was awake the whole time, incidentally.)
At about the time he was scheduled to die he was told he had received a stay of execution. He was returned to his cell and not executed until the following March. Whatever you think of the death penalty, you wouldn't want the guy to die of sheer carelessness.
Which brings us to what I think is the real reason for swabbing the arm--it allows the executioners to think of themselves as professionals doing a job rather than killers.
2007-07-07 06:49:08 · answer #1 · answered by Tom S 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's really just one of those formalities that allow the executioners to maintain a sense of proffessionalism. However, there is one other legitimate reason I've ever heard. They swab the arm to keep it from being infected in case the convict is given a stay of execution. It's happened on rare occasions, so it's definately worth the small cost of some rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab to keep the guy from being killed by infection and having his family sue the state for "wrongful death."
2016-05-20 22:53:32 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just in case a miracle happens and the execution is stopped, the state could be held legally responsible if the inmate gets an infection.
2007-07-07 06:40:24 · answer #3 · answered by BOOM 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Actually the real answer is this: The inmate must not be ill or sufforing from any type of sickness, including a common cold or the flu. If he has any illness at the time of his execution, the execution must be delayed.
2007-07-07 06:44:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
To ensure that all rights are given, even to the end, no matter what. As silly as it seems, the inmates rights must be protected until death, no matter what.
2007-07-07 06:38:46 · answer #5 · answered by Cathrine K 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To not do so would be considered cruel and inhumane and the convict's family could sue.
2007-07-07 06:41:45 · answer #6 · answered by Jess 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because the alcohol helps protect the needle from going rusty, and they can use it again.
2007-07-07 06:39:07 · answer #7 · answered by niddlie diddle 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
And they always sterilize the needle too.
Go figure.
2007-07-07 08:06:10 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good question.
2007-07-07 06:39:47 · answer #9 · answered by Casey J 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋