Through a violent electrical current that runs through the body of the condemned, ruining vital organs such as the brain and heart. When it appeared in the United States in 1890, it was presented as a modern and effective system to replace execution methods considered uncivilized, such as hanging, in which the person agonized for a long time before dying. The point is that the electrical solution was also not immune to horror scenes, such as the condemned literally frying during the procedure – all this in front of witnesses, many of whom fainted, vomited or left the execution room in a panic. It was for these and other reasons that, from 1978, with the emergence of lethal injection, considered more “humane”, the use of the chair began to decline. Today, of the 36 states that adopt the death penalty in the US – the only country in the world where the practice exists – only nine of them retain the chair as one of the condemned’s options. Of increasingly rare use, the device still has a gruesome record of nearly 4,500 electrocuted prisoners in the US since its introduction. :w/
LETHAL THRONE
Apparatus generates a current of electricity that destroys vital organs and annihilates the condemned
SPONGE THAT BAKES
A sponge soaked in salt water solution is placed between the first electrode and the convict’s head. The saline solution conducts electricity well, making it easier for current to pass to the brain. Without the sponge, the head might even catch fire!
PROTENSION EQUIPMENT
The metal helmet houses an electrode, also made of metal. It is through this electrode that the current from the generator enters the body. The helmet is lined internally with wool to prevent the metal from coming into contact with the skin, burning it and sticking to the head.
BLOOD SPLIT
A hood covers the condemned man’s head to prevent witnesses from seeing his agony. With shock, the muscles of the face contract, and the eyes can even pop out of their sockets. In addition, bleeding from the eyes, ears, and nostrils is common.
DEATH PLANT
Generators operate on shock cycles with different times and voltages. In general, the convict receives a discharge of 2,300 volts for eight seconds, another of 1,000 volts for 22 seconds and, finally, a discharge of 2,300 volts for another eight seconds.
BELT-AND-GARTER
Made of leather or nylon, the straps secure the chest, wrists and ankles. They are squeezed very tightly to keep the convict immobilized, as the body shakes violently during electrocution.
INSULATING SEAT
Firmly attached to the floor, the chair itself is a simple object, but with an important detail: it is made of wood, so as not to diffusely conduct electricity. The floor around the seat is covered with rubber, also to prevent current.
SHORT CIRCUIT
Another wire from the generator connects to a second electrode – like the one on the head – which is attached to one of the legs. Thus, the circuit between the two electrodes is closed, with the body functioning as a conductor between them.
DRESSED TO DIE
How the criminal is prepared for execution
PREVENTIVE DEPILATION
An eight-centimeter circle is shaved across the subject’s crown to prevent the hair from catching fire. For the same reason, the hair in the region of the leg in contact with the electrode is shaved.
IN DIAPERS
During electrocution, the person loses control of physiological functions, i.e. urinates and defecates involuntarily. To avoid the grotesque spectacle, she is dressed in a diaper under her pants.
FINAL EXHIBITION
Everything ready, the condemned is taken to the execution room. In front of the witnesses, he says something, like his own name, just to prove that he is alive. He is then strapped into the chair – and the electrocution begins.
MULTIPLE ORGAN FAILURE
Death occurs due to a combination of factors
As the current enters through the head, the first region reached is the brain. The initial discharge, of very high voltage, paralyzes the organ, “erasing” the convict.
With about 10mA (milliamps), a shock already causes pain. The first chair bump is a thousand times bigger than that! The heart stops or, at the very least, severe arrhythmia occurs. In the following discharges, cardiac arrest is certain.
The heat generated by the electric current literally fries the internal organs such as the lungs, stomach and intestines. There have even been cases of the body catching fire!
READ MORE
– What are the worst psychological tortures?
– How was the torture in the Dragon Chair?