Suspended Judgments
A Comprehensive Examination of Hanging: Methods, History, and Global Practices.
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Introduction
Definition and Scope
Hanging is a method of execution or suicide by suspending a person by the neck with a noose or ligature. Historically, it has served as a primary method of capital punishment across numerous cultures and eras, often associated with structures known as gallows. Its origins trace back to antiquity, with early accounts found in classical literature. Beyond its use in judicial contexts, hanging is also recognized as a prevalent means of self-harm.
Historical Significance
The practice of hanging as a form of execution dates back to at least the Middle Ages and has been documented in various societies. Its implementation has evolved over time, with different techniques developed to achieve death through cervical fracture or strangulation. The method's prevalence underscores its long-standing role in legal systems and societal control.
Global Context
Hanging remains a method of capital punishment in several countries today, though its application and the specific techniques employed vary significantly worldwide. Understanding these practices requires examining their historical evolution, legal frameworks, and cultural contexts.
Methods of Judicial Hanging
Short Drop
The short drop method involves suspending the condemned from the neck after removing a support (like a stool or ladder) from beneath them. The body's weight tightens the noose, causing death primarily through strangulation. This was the standard method before the mid-19th century and remains common in suicides and extrajudicial hangings due to its simplicity.
Pole Method
A variant of the short drop, the Austro-Hungarian "pole" method (Wรผrgegalgen) uses a vertical pole. The condemned is hoisted by a sling around the chest and feet, with a noose around the neck secured to the pole's top. Releasing the sling causes rapid downward movement, resulting in strangulation. This method was notably used in Czechoslovakia.
Standard Drop
Introduced around 1866, the standard drop aimed for a more humane execution by causing cervical fracture. A calculated drop of 4 to 6 feet (1.2โ1.8 m) was intended to break the neck, leading to immediate unconsciousness and rapid brain death. This method spread through English-speaking countries.
Long Drop
Refined in the late 19th century, the long drop method involves precise calculation of the drop length based on the individual's height and weight. The goal is to ensure a fracture of the cervical vertebrae (typically C2-C3 or C4-C5) without causing decapitation. This method, designed for efficiency and perceived humanity, is still practiced in countries like Japan and Singapore.
Hanging as Suicide
Accessibility and Prevalence
Hanging is a common suicide method due to the relative accessibility of necessary materials compared to firearms or poisons. It is particularly prevalent in correctional facilities and institutions where full suspension may be difficult to achieve, leading to partial suspension or self-strangulation. Globally, it ranks as a leading method for suicide in many countries.
Survival Injuries
Individuals who survive hanging attempts, often due to equipment failure or timely intervention, can sustain severe injuries. These include cerebral anoxia leading to potential brain damage, fractures of the larynx, hyoid bone, or cervical spine, paralysis, tracheal damage, and injuries to the carotid arteries. The severity depends on the specific circumstances of the attempt.
Hanging in Ritual and Sacrifice
Historical Rituals
Historical accounts suggest that hanging may have been practiced as a form of human sacrifice in certain cultures. Notably, there are suggestions that Viking societies practiced hanging as a ritual offering to Odin, honoring his self-sacrifice on Yggdrasil. Evidence from Iron Age bog bodies, some showing signs of hanging, further supports speculation of ritualistic sacrifice.
Medical Effects
Physiological Impact
Hanging can induce several critical medical conditions. The primary mechanisms of death include severe trauma to the upper cervical spine (leading to spinal cord injury or decapitation), closure of carotid arteries causing cerebral hypoxia and ischemia (resulting in anoxic brain injury), and obstruction of the airway. Venous occlusion, particularly of the jugular veins, leads to cerebral edema and cyanosis.
Skeletal and Vascular Trauma
While the "hangman's fracture" (bilateral pars interarticularis fractures of C2) is a known outcome, studies indicate it is not universally present in judicial hangings. Other injuries can include ligamentous damage to the cervical spine and disruption of vertebral arteries. The specific injuries depend heavily on the drop length and the precise placement of the noose.
Global Practices and Historical Context
Diverse Applications
Hanging has been employed across the globe for capital punishment, with variations in methods and legal contexts. From ancient practices to modern applications, its use reflects diverse judicial systems and historical periods.
Afghanistan
Hanging is reported as the most common form of capital punishment in Afghanistan.
Australia
Capital punishment, including hanging, was practiced until 1985. The last execution occurred in 1967. Historically, it was used for a range of crimes, with approximately eighty executions annually in the 19th century.
Bahamas
Hanging is the execution method, though no executions have occurred since 2000. Sentences have been commuted.
Bangladesh
Hanging is the sole method of execution since the country's independence.
Brazil
Hanging was the customary method throughout Brazil's history, used for national heroes like Tiradentes. Capital punishment was abolished in 1890, except in wartime.
Bulgaria
The national hero Vasil Levski was hanged by the Ottoman court in 1873. Capital punishment was abolished in 1998.
Canada
Historically, hanging was the sole execution method. It was abolished in 1998, with the last hangings occurring in 1962.
Egypt
Hanging remains the standard method of capital punishment, with Egypt executing more people annually than any other African nation.
Germany
During Nazi occupation, strangulation hanging was used for public executions. Post-war, it was used by Allied zones for war criminals. West Germany abolished the death penalty in 1949, East Germany in 1987. The last hanging in Germany was in 1951.
Hong Kong
As a former British territory, Hong Kong used hanging. The last execution was in 1966. Capital punishment is not practiced currently.
Hungary
Imre Nagy, the Prime Minister during the 1956 Revolution, was secretly executed by hanging in 1958. Capital punishment was abolished in 1990.
India
Hanging is the sole method of execution since independence. Notable executions include Nathuram Godse, Ajmal Kasab, and those involved in the Delhi gang rape case.
Iran
Hanging is the most frequently used method of capital punishment.
Iraq
Hanging was used under Saddam Hussein and reinstated in 2004. Saddam Hussein himself was executed by long-drop hanging in 2006. The method has been used for war criminals and insurgents.
Israel
The death penalty has been used sparingly. Nazi leader Adolf Eichmann was executed by hanging in 1962.
Japan
All executions are carried out by hanging, primarily using the long-drop method. This includes war criminals post-WWII and individuals convicted of serious crimes.
Jordan
Hanging is the traditional method. Sajida al-Rishawi was executed by hanging in 2015.
Kuwait
Hanging is the execution method, sometimes performed publicly. Most recent executions were in 2022.
Lebanon
Hanging was used, but capital punishment is now suspended due to opposition.
Liberia
Public hangings occurred, such as the execution of seven men in Harper in 1979 for ritual killings.
Malaysia
Hanging is the traditional method for murder, drug trafficking, and waging war.
Pakistan
Hanging is the most common form of execution.
Portugal
The last hanging was in 1842. It was a common penalty before abolition.
Russia
Hanging was common in the Russian Empire. It was abolished in 1868, restored, and used for war criminals post-WWII. The last hangings were in 1946.
Singapore
Long-drop hanging is used for mandatory punishment for crimes like drug trafficking and murder.
Sri Lanka
Hanging was abolished in 1956, reinstated, and halted again in 1978. A notable botched execution occurred in 1975.
Syria
Public hangings have occurred, including for alleged spies. The Alawite sect reportedly had an aversion to hanging.
United Kingdom
Hanging dates back to the Anglo-Saxon period. Public hangings ceased in 1868. The last executions were in 1964. Capital punishment for murder was abolished in 1965, and for all crimes in 1998.
United States
Hanging was a primary method, especially in colonial times. The last public hanging was in 1936. While lethal injection is common, Florida allows hanging as an option. Notable events include the mass hanging of Dakota Sioux in 1862 and the execution of Lincoln assassination conspirators.
Grammar Note
"Hanged" vs. "Hung"
In the context of execution or suicide by suspension, the standard past tense and past participle form of the verb "hang" is "hanged." While some dictionaries list "hung" as an alternative, "hanged" is the preferred and historically correct usage for referring to the act of execution.
Related Topics
Further Exploration
The practice of hanging is intertwined with numerous historical, legal, and social concepts. Understanding these connections can provide a broader perspective on its significance.
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References
References
- MacDonogh G., After the Reich John Murray, London (2008) p. 450.
- James R, Nasmyth-Jones R., "The occurrence of cervical fractures in victims of judicial hanging", Forensic Science International, April 1992; 54(1):81รขยย91.
- Wallace SK, Cohen WA, Stern EJ, Reay DT, "Judicial hanging: postmortem radiographic, CT, and MR imaging features with autopsy confirmation", Radiology, October 1994; 193(1):263รขยย7.
- "Iraq's 'Chemical Ali' sentenced to death", MSNBC, 24 June 2007. Retrieved on 24 June 2007.
- "Second death sentence for Iraq's 'Chemical Ali'", MSNBC, 2 December 2008. Retrieved on 2 December 2008.
- "'Chemical Ali' gets a new death sentence". MSNBC, 17 January 2010. Retrieved on 17 January 2010.
- Burckhardt, J. L. (1922). Travels in Syria and the Holy Land. London: John Murray. p. 156.
- Stedman, J.G.: "Narrative, of a five years' expedition", Vol.1, London 1813, p.116
- Honour, Hugh (1975). The European Vision of America. Cleveland, Ohio: The Cleveland Museum of Art. p.343
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Important Notice
This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on publicly available data and may not be exhaustive or entirely up-to-date. The subject matter is sensitive and deals with methods of death and execution.
This is not instructional content. The information provided is not a substitute for professional historical, legal, or psychological consultation. Always refer to authoritative sources and consult qualified professionals for specific inquiries. The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.