The death penalty

Abstract

In the two decades since Brookes' death, the USA has progressively changed methods, all but ending executions by hanging, shooting, electric chair, and gas chamber in favour of lethal injection. Since the introduction of this method, more than 80% of executions have been by lethal injection (and in the past 4 years, it has been close to 100%). The death penalty remains an ethical challenge for doctors; professional associations should join human rights organisations in calling for its abolition.