Execution on closed circuit television?

February 8, 2001 8:07 PM

Execution on closed circuit television? 8 seats in the death chamber where Tim McVeigh will be executed May 16. 250 want to be present. But is broadcasting the execution really a good idea?
posted by sabbydarling (9 comments total)

ALL . . . executions should be televised - - - on the MAIN
networks .
posted by ojsbuddy at 10:31 PM on February 8, 2001

Fine. Let's start with O.J.
posted by Optamystic at 11:11 PM on February 8, 2001

Wasn't he found not guilty? Or is the new law in America innocent until proven "seemingly guilty after watching Leno". I saw the majority of the OJ trial BTW.

Anyway, back to the post...

I see no problem with broadcasting the execution, for the simple reason that when you make the decision to have the death penalty, debating how to make it more "humane" is redundant.
posted by fullerine at 12:46 AM on February 9, 2001

I think they should erect a public gallows in the town square.
posted by lagado at 2:25 AM on February 9, 2001

Perhaps it's not fair to discuss this when the 'mericans are in bed.

must resist urge to feel superior..
posted by fullerine at 2:40 AM on February 9, 2001

Any death penalty supporters out there?

No?
posted by Mocata at 3:14 AM on February 9, 2001

Yes, but i don't feel like justifying my position at the moment.
posted by thirteen at 8:01 AM on February 9, 2001

Waitasec. Doesn't the fact that it is closed-circuit television mean that it is not a broadcast, that viewers will see the execution by invitation only, and likely at a government facility? This doesn't sound unusual at all.
posted by jplummer at 8:49 AM on February 9, 2001

Right on jplummer! It's close-circuit, so no who shouldn’t see it, won't. Besides it’s typical for the victims to be present at an execution, in fact I think that it's part of the victims’ rights. What is happening here is normal and likely won't set any sort of precedence.
posted by Bag Man at 9:41 AM on February 9, 2001