Why the US revives firing squad execution? ethical questions raised

South Carolina is set to carry out its first execution by firing squad in 15 years with Brad Sigmon, convicted of murdering his ex-girlfriend's parents in 2001, opting for this method over the electric chair and lethal injection.

This decision has reignited debate over the use of firing squads, a method deeply rooted in American history.

The practice dates back to colonial times, with the first recorded execution by firing squad in 1608 when Captain George Kendall was executed in Jamestown, Virginia, for mutiny. During the Civil War, both Union and Confederate forces used firing squads to execute deserters, aiming to maintain discipline through public spectacle. According to Mark Smith, a history professor at the University of South Carolina, the method was designed to shock and intimidate, often incorporating an element of uncertainty by using a blank cartridge.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Utah became a focal point for this execution method, with notable cases like the 1915 execution of labor activist Joe Hill, who was shot by firing squad in Utah State Prison.

Firing squads fell out of favor in the 1980s with the rise of lethal injection, considered then a more humane method. However, lethal injections have since faced scrutiny due to botched executions and difficulties sourcing requisite drugs. As a result, some states are reconsidering firing squads. Criminologist Deborah Denno from Fordham School of Law points out that firing squads tend to be quicker and less prone to error, with only two reported botched cases, suggesting they may be more humane.

Sigmon's choice has sparked debate about execution methods. His attorney, Gerald "Bo" King, explained that Sigmon preferred the firing squad, viewing the other options as worse. His execution will be conducted by volunteer officers, with Sigmon bound to a chair and a target placed over his heart.

The upcoming execution in South Carolina not only highlights the complexity of capital punishment in the US but also raises ethical questions about justice and the value of human life. As the nation continues to grapple with these issues, the decision to use a firing squad underscores ongoing debates surrounding execution methods.