Execution

An old, wooden guillotine shows sharp blade.

Why the guillotine may be less cruel than execution by slow poisoning

Justice

It was the guillotine’s plummeting blade that took off head after head with just a bit of cleaning and sharpening in between, answering the need of the moment. Thus it came to symbolize state terrorism but also swift and equal justice.

Asa Hutchinson

A federal judge halts six executions in Arkansas, citing ‘cruel and unusual punishment’

Justice
An inmate stands against a fence at the Adjustment Center yard during a media tour of California's death row at San Quentin State Prison, California, December 2015.

2015 saw the highest number of recorded death-row executions. Which country tops the list?

Justice
A man purported to be Jordanian Air Force Lieutenant Moaz al-Kasasbeh walks slowly toward his death in a video released by ISIS.

Jordan promises ‘earth-shaking’ vengeance against ISIS

Conflict