This chamber of death is an airtight room with a chair into which the accused is strapped. Death is caused by exposure to cyanide gas, produced when sodium cyanide is dropped into sulfuric acid. The suffering caused is deliberate and plain to see: writhing, vomiting, shaking and gasping for breath for many seconds. This horrendous technique is used only in a few states. .
Another form of the death penalty is lethal injection. This form was introduced in the U.S. in 1977 and is now in use in twenty-three states. This is the most widespread method and arguably the most humane. The condemned is strapped to a table and injected with sodium triopentone, losing consciousness in ten to fifteen seconds. This is followed by pancuronium bromide, which blocks respiration and finally potassium chloride to stop the heart (Jackson, 38-43). .
Finally, the last two forms of execution are death by firing squad and death by hanging. These two forms of capital punishment are very rarely ever used. In 1999 there were only two hangings and one death by firing squad. The convicted sometimes have the opportunity to decide how they wish to be executed, which was the case in these three executions. .
Religious people, especially those faithful to the Catholic religion believe that the death penalty is morally wrong. The Catholic Church believes that all human life is sacred and that we as Catholics are obligated to protect all forms of human life. Life is a gift from God. God is our creator and only he has the right to give or take away a life, man should not have the power to take another man's life in any situation. The Catholic Church does not believe that capital punishment is the solution to or cure for the violent crime of murder. Capital punishment fails to create a society free from crime because we are still committing a murder upon the perpetrator. The death penalty is enforced to teach that every life should be valued and respected.