Garrote

Garrote Execution - 1901

Fomfr garrote

Pedro Berruguete Saint Dominic Presiding over an Auto-da-fe 1495

1879-01-18, Le Monde illustré, Une exécution en Espagne, Le supplice du garrot, Exécution de Oliva Moncasi, au Campo de Guardia, le 4 janvier, Vierge (cropped)

"Exécution d`un assassin a Barcelone" (19317112943)

Garrote is a method of execution or murder that involves strangulation, typically with a cord, wire, or a similar tool. The term "garrote" can refer to the instrument used to carry out the act, the act itself, or the device used in executions. This method has been employed in various cultures throughout history and has also been used as a means of capital punishment in some countries.

History

The use of the garrote dates back to the Middle Ages, where it was primarily used for executions. In Spain, the garrote was the standard method of execution until 1978 when the country abolished the death penalty following the death of Francisco Franco. The device used for these executions typically consisted of a seat for the condemned person, with a post behind it to which a metal collar was affixed. The executioner would then turn a screw, tightening the collar until death ensued, usually by strangulation or breaking of the neck.

Method

The garrote can be employed in several ways. In its simplest form, it involves using a cord, rope, wire, or chain wrapped around the victim's neck, which is then tightened manually. This method has been used both for executions and murders due to its simplicity and the minimal equipment required. In a more mechanical form, such as the one used in Spanish executions, the device includes a mechanism to tighten the collar around the victim's neck, leading to a quicker and more controlled death.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

The use of the garrote for executions has raised numerous legal and ethical questions. Critics argue that it constitutes a form of cruel and unusual punishment, which is prohibited by the constitutions of many countries, including the United States. Proponents of the method, particularly in historical contexts, have claimed it to be quick and relatively humane compared to other methods of execution available at the time.

In Popular Culture

The garrote has been depicted in various forms of popular culture, including films, books, and video games. These portrayals often emphasize the method's stealth and efficiency, making it a tool of choice for assassins and secret agents. However, such depictions can sometimes glamorize or trivialize the violence associated with the garrote, distancing the act from its historical and ethical implications.

See Also

• Capital punishment
• Strangulation
• Execution methods

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