Electrocution

Electrocution is a means of killing a person by the use of a strong electric shock. Accidental electrocution occurs when a person accidentally comes in contact with, and is killed by, a powerful charge of electricity.

Electrocution has also been used as a legal method of executing criminals. A prisoner is brought into a special room called a death chamber, and strapped into an electric chair. Metal plates called electrodes are attached to the crown of the prisoner's head and to the calf of one leg. An electric current is then passed from one electrode to another through the prisoner's body. The current is strong enough to produce immediate loss of consciousness and almost immediate death. Medical experts believe a person feels no pain when being electrocuted.

In 1890, New York became the first state in the United States to execute a criminal using electrocution.

Contributor: George T. Felkenes, Dr.Crim., Prof. of Criminal Justice and Chair, Program in Politics and Policy, Claremont Graduate School.

Electrocution

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