In the room during an execution?

Question

In movies and TV shows there's always a few different people in the room when the criminal is being executed- obviously the executioner and the person being executed, but who else? I assume probably a prison official like the warden or something, but what about a coroner? Is that who's really around during a real life execution?

Yes. Random curiousity. Thank you Prison Break.

Answer 1

A Doctor is on scene to pronounce the prisoner dead. The warden, usually a machine does lethal injections. A few guards. The family of the victim and the assailant are usually allowed to be there as well, and sometimes the media. It really varies state to state.
Oh and a priest, if the prisoner asks.

Answer 2

Actually, an Anesthesiologist or Nurse Anesthetist MUST be present (depends on the jurisdiction as to which is required). Many jurisdictions also require that there be 2 witnesses (usually guards) present, but some jurisdictions have no such requirement because of video taping.

Answer 3

Sometimes a comedian doing research is allowed to be present.

1. If you had a spark of decency, you wouldn't flip that switch.
2. This is a gas!
3. No noose is good noose.
4. You're stretching this a bit too far.
5. Don't let him needle you!

Sorry. Random humour.

Answer 4

There are also a few neutral observers. Like being tried in court by your peers, a death sentence is carried out with members of the public present to 'balance' the proceedings.