When Did They Stop Using The Electric Chair

Executions by electric chair ended when states shifted to lethal injection as a more humane alternative. The exact answer to when did they stop using the electric chair depends on the state, but the last use of the electric chair as the primary method of execution was in 2013 in Virginia. However, some states still keep the electric chair as a backup option today.

The electric chair was once the main way to carry out the death penalty in the United States. It was seen as a modern, scientific improvement over hanging. But over time, people began to question if it was really humane.

The short answer is that most states stopped using the electric chair between the 1980s and early 2000s. Lethal injection became the standard method because it was thought to be more peaceful. The last state to use the electric chair as its primary method was Virginia, which did so in 2013.

Here is a quick timeline of key dates:

1983: Nebraska becomes the first state to adopt lethal injection as its primary method.
1999: Florida switches to lethal injection as the primary method.
2000: Alabama and South Carolina also switch to lethal injection.
2008: The Supreme Court rules lethal injection is constitutional.
2013: Virginia uses the electric chair for the last time as the primary method.

The Rise And Fall Of The Electric Chair

The electric chair was first used in 1890 in New York. It was supposed to be a more civilized way to kill someone than hanging. For decades, it was the standard method in many states.

But problems started to appear. Some executions were botched, with prisoners catching fire or taking minutes to die. These gruesome events made people question the method.

By the 1970s, lethal injection was being developed as a more clinical alternative. It was seen as less violent and more medical. States began to switch one by one.

Which States Still Use The Electric Chair

Even though lethal injection is the primary method in most states, the electric chair is not completely gone. Some states keep it as a backup option. This is usually in case lethal injection drugs are not available or if the prisoner chooses it.

Here are the states that still have the electric chair as an option:

Alabama
Florida
Kentucky
South Carolina
Tennessee
Virginia

In South Carolina, the electric chair is now the default method because the state cannot get lethal injection drugs. This shows that the electric chair is not fully dead yet.

The Last Executions By Electric Chair

The last few executions by electric chair were notable. Here is a list of the most recent ones:

2013: Robert Gleason Jr. in Virginia. He chose the electric chair over lethal injection.
2018: Edmund Zagorski in Tennessee. He also chose the electric chair.
2019: Stephen West in Tennessee. He was executed by electric chair.
2020: Nicholas Sutton in Tennessee. He chose the electric chair.

As you can see, Tennessee has used the electric chair more recently than any other state. The state passed a law allowing it if lethal injection drugs are not avialable.

Why Did States Stop Using The Electric Chair

There are several reasons why states moved away from the electric chair. The main ones are:

It was seen as cruel and unusual punishment.
Botched executions were public and horrifying.
Lethal injection seemed more medical and humane.
Lawsuits challenged the constitutionality of the electric chair.

In 2008, the Supreme Court case Baze v. Rees upheld lethal injection as constitutional. This gave states the green light to use it as the primary method. After that, the electric chair was used less and less.

The Future Of The Electric Chair

It is possible that the electric chair could make a comeback. Some states are having trouble getting lethal injection drugs because pharmaceutical companies refuse to sell them for executions. This has led to a shortage.

In response, states like South Carolina have passed laws making the electric chair the default method. Other states may follow if the drug shortage continues.

However, public opinion is against the electric chair. Most people see it as barbaric. It is unlikely to become the standard method again, but it may remain a backup option for years to come.

How The Electric Chair Compares To Lethal Injection

There are big differences between the two methods. Here is a quick comparison:

Electric chair: Uses high voltage electricity to stop the heart. Can cause burning and smoke.
Lethal injection: Uses a cocktail of drugs to stop breathing and heart function. Looks more peaceful.
Electric chair: Often takes several minutes to cause death.
Lethal injection: Usually takes a few minutes, but can fail if veins are bad.

Both methods have been botched. But lethal injection is still prefered by most states because it looks less violent on paper.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the last electric chair execution in the US?

The last electric chair execution as the primary method was in 2013 in Virginia. However, Tennessee used it in 2020 as a backup option.

Is the electric chair still legal in any state?

Yes, the electric chair is still legal in six states: Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. It is usually a backup method.

Why did states switch from the electric chair to lethal injection?

States switched because lethal injection was seen as more humane and less likely to be botched. Lawsuits also challenged the electric chair as cruel punishment.

Did the electric chair ever kill someone instantly?

No, the electric chair rarely killed instantly. It often took several minutes, and the prisoner sometimes continued to breathe or move.

Can a prisoner choose the electric chair over lethal injection?

In some states, yes. Prisoners in Tennessee, South Carolina, and Virginia have chosen the electric chair. It is usually allowed if the state has it as a backup option.

In conclusion, the electric chair stopped being the primary method of execution in most states by the early 2000s. The exact date for when did they stop using the electric chair varies, but the last primary use was in 2013. However, the chair is not fully gone. It remains a backup in some states, and could be used again if lethal injection drugs become impossible to get.