Biomechanics of judicial hanging: a case report

Authors
Nokes, LDM Roberts, A James, DS
Citation
Ldm. Nokes et al., Biomechanics of judicial hanging: a case report, MED SCI LAW, 39(1), 1999, pp. 61-64
Citations number
2
Categorie Soggetti
Public Health & Health Care Science","Research/Laboratory Medicine & Medical Tecnology
Journal title
MEDICINE SCIENCE AND THE LAW
ISSN journal
00258024 → ACNP
Volume
39
Issue
1
Year of publication
1999
Pages
61 - 64
Database
ISI
SICI code
0025-8024(199901)39:1<61:BOJHAC>2.0.ZU;2-Q
Abstract
A prisoner in Washington State in the United States of America appealed aga inst sentence of death by hanging on the grounds that it was 'cruel and unu sual' and hence contravened the Eighth Amendment of the US Constitution. Th e man weighed 184 kg (406 lb) and it was suggested that the 'drop' proposed to effect judicial hanging might result in decapitation. This hypothesis w as tested by applying simple biodynamic principles to the available data fr om past hangings. It was concluded that decapitation was a significant poss ibility.