Watch someone get executed?

iwearnosox

Lifer
Oct 26, 2000
16,018
5
0
Well, some of you know I had a carjacking happen to me some time ago and the offender is now on death row. I got an interesting letter in the mail today that was basically an affirmation of the conviction, and it also detailed who is permitted to attend an execution. So, ostensibly, I am "allowed" to go to this guy's execution, he killed my best friend. He also tried to kill me.

I honestly don't know how I feel about it, part of me really, really wants to put this behind me. I thought I already had, but out of respect I feel compelled to go. It's not like the execution date is even set, but it got me thinking. I support the death penalty but the more I stick with this thing the more it defines me.

Would you go to a person's execution that killed someone close to you?
 

Viper GTS

Lifer
Oct 13, 1999
38,107
433
136
I would go out of respect for the person who I'd lost.

You may have to deal with losing them, but they're dead.

Viper GTS
 

Feldenak

Lifer
Jan 31, 2003
14,090
2
81
I would. Hell, I'd volunteer to throw the switch, start the IV, release the gas, etc...


No, I'm not being sarcastic.
 

boyRacer

Lifer
Oct 1, 2001
18,569
0
0
I wouldn't. But then I'm not in your shoes... i probably would change my answer if i were.
 

EyeMWing

Banned
Jun 13, 2003
15,670
1
0
I'd go. Hopefully the last thing that fvck ever sees is your cold stare through the bulletproof glass (Why is it bulletproof if its an execution chamber anyway?)
 

crab

Diamond Member
Jan 29, 2001
7,330
19
81
Yes I would. Can you tell us about the attack? No problem if you'd rather not, of course.
 

GoingUp

Lifer
Jul 31, 2002
16,720
1
71
yup id go, but I think they should give him the chair or beat him to death with a shovel... none of this lame as lethal injection crap
 

Dacalo

Diamond Member
Mar 31, 2000
8,778
4
76
I did a research on execution and "public display" of it. Of course, when I say "public display," I mean those who are invited.

It was a while ago when I did my paper so I can't recall exactly but one of the southern states even randomly invite its citizens to witness executions.
Since you were one of his victims, I would participate, although someone being killed is appalling, even if that individual is a criminal. Just MHO.
 

SilentZero

Diamond Member
Apr 8, 2003
5,158
0
76
I wouldn't go simply to keep it in the past. Going would probably make everything that happenned seem so fresh again.
 

Descartes

Lifer
Oct 10, 1999
13,968
2
0
Not to bring up bad memories, but do you have a thread on the car jacking?

Glad you made it out alive, but sorry your friend didn't. I would go.
 

freakflag

Diamond Member
Mar 22, 2001
3,951
1
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I wouldn't blame you if you didn't go.

The only people who should be present at executions are juvenile offenders.


This is not meant to trivialize your loss or downplay the potential sense of closure it may provide you or the loved ones
of your friend in any way, but, at least there is a chance that something productive will come from it.
 

Renob

Diamond Member
Jun 18, 2000
7,596
1
81
Very sorry to hear about your best friend, BTW I think I would go watch.
 

Kenazo

Lifer
Sep 15, 2000
10,429
1
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I'm divided on the whole execution issue, however, I have never been in the shoes of a victim of a murder either. That being said. If I was a supporter of execution, and did find myself in the victim's shoes I think it would be my duty to attend, though I'd prefer not to watch the actual dying part, as I believe that image would haunt me for years.
 

clicknext

Banned
Mar 27, 2002
3,884
0
0
No, I don't support the death penalty. Neither am I strongly opposed to it, but I don't really think it's right.