The article discusses the process of a prisoner's final day on death row in the United States. As of the time of writing, there are 2,738 inmates on death row, with 42% classified as white, 41% as black, and 13% as Latino. The average time spent on death row is 20 years.
The final day begins with the inmate being taken from their cell to the death house, where they are searched and given special clothes to wear. They are then placed in a private cell near the execution chamber, where they can reflect on their life and write letters.
The inmate is allowed to see family and a chaplain, and can make phone calls to loved ones. They are also given a special last meal, which can cost up to $40 in some states.
In the hours leading up to the execution, the inmate is prepared for the procedure, which can include shaving their head if they are to receive the electric chair. The execution itself typically takes place in the early evening, and can be witnessed by family members, journalists, and other authorized individuals.
The article also discusses the final moments of the inmate, including the possibility of making a final statement, and the procedures involved in carrying out the execution. The article concludes by asking viewers to share their thoughts on the death penalty and whether they believe it is a suitable punishment for criminals.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. There are 2,738 inmates on death row in the United States.
2. Only 2% of people on death row are women.
3. The racial breakdown of people on death row is: 42% white, 41% black, 13% Latino, 1.9% Asian, and 1% Native American.
4. The average time spent on death row from sentencing to execution is 20 years.
5. At 8 p.m. on the day before the execution, the inmate is taken from death row to another cell.
6. The inmate is searched thoroughly before leaving death row to prevent them from harming themselves or others.
7. The inmate is taken to the death house, where they will spend their final hours.
8. The inmate is given special clothes to wear, which are often smarter than their usual prison attire.
9. The inmate is allowed to make phone calls to family and friends, but only with the assistance of a guard.
10. The inmate is given a private cell with a shower, toilet, and bed.
11. The inmate is allowed to see family and a chaplain on the day of the execution.
12. The inmate is given a last meal, which can cost up to $40 in some states.
13. The inmate's head is shaved if they are to be executed by electric chair.
14. The witnesses arrive at the prison at around 5 p.m. on the day of the execution.
15. The time of execution can vary from state to state, but is usually in the early evening.
16. The prisoner is taken to the execution room and strapped to a gurney if they are to be executed by lethal injection.
17. Doctors are not usually present at the execution, as it is not in line with their code of ethics.
18. The execution team administers the drugs and secures the inmate to the gurney.
19. There is a 15-minute wait before the execution.
20. Some inmates make a final statement before the execution, but this can vary depending on the state.
21. The witnesses are brought into the main room and the curtains are undrawn before the execution.
22. The warden gives the signal to the executioner to proceed with the execution.