For this weekly check-in, let’s think about the role of the executioner in the death penalty debate. Some believe this is the sort of job that can cause permanent psychological damage or at the very least, is a struggle in the lives of those who do it. To read about this view, check out this article from pulitzer.org:
Death penalty can be hard on those who carry it out
Here, you will see that Morris L. Thigpen, who runs a jail in Alabama, says he has never seen anyone participate in an execution then say that he would like to do that again. However, research reveals that executioners both past and present appear to rarely feel that way about it. Some, such as Sam Jones and Jimmy Thompson, may cause you to wonder what the line truly is between murder and execution. You can learn about them here:
10 Executioners Who Got A Creepy Jolt From Their Jobs
An Executioner Explains What It’s Like to Legally Kill People
Crime Scribe
For your original post, choose one of the executioners you learned about here and tell the class a little about him. What is your reaction to this particular executioner? Do you believe that what he is doing is significantly different from murder? Why or why not? Can you think of any rules that should be in place for who is allowed to perform executions?
Discuss your views in at least a paragraph. After doing so, be sure to post your replies to two classmates explaining whether you agree with their views, if they helped you think of something in a new way, etc.
