A brief history of a long time!

    The death penalty, which is still used today, has been used throughout history, as a deterrent of crime, punishment, retaliation, and as sacrifice to their gods.  It is hard for historians to tell the time period when this new "tool" came into action, but we know that the death penalty has been used for thousands of years.  Throughout that time, the methods and reasons for this strong punishment have varied widely.  

    We will start with one of the most well-known convicts.  He was executed about 2000 years ago, after being convicted during an unfair trial, in a manner that was usually reserved for slaves and the worst criminals-crucifixion.  Crucifixion was considered the most humiliating form of death.  Have you figured it out who it was yet?  You got it, Jesus Christ of Nazareth.  Jesus was sentenced to death on the cross.  It was a very, very painful way to die.  

    From the persecution of Christians to the Medieval Ages, the death penalty became a long gruesome process of torture, insanity, and finally death.  "Medieval law required the accused to admit their guilt.  So confessions were extracted at any price. No matter that the 'guilty' plea was won by coercion of the vilest means."  This lead to an unending stream of inventions, solely designed to induce pain, injury, and death.

    During the 19th century focus was beginning to change focus from retribution, to reforming prisoners.  During this time period, a more humane idea was adopted for the treatment of prisoners.  They were more seen as men who made mistakes, rather than demons in human disguise. They were granted rights to a fair trial, to life, and cruel and unusual punishment was condemned internationally.