September 23, 2009
Deterrence vs. Retribution c. 1909
From the Sept. 23, 1909 NYT:
VALENCE, Drome, France - A triple execution by guillotine took place in this city at daylight to-day.
Three men, Berruyer, David, and Liottard were decapitated for a series of atrocious crimes in the Department of Drome which created a reign of terror. No less than twelve murders and 200 robberies are laid at the doors of these men. They often tortured their victims with red hot irons.
A great crowd witnessed the executions and applauded wildly every time the knife fell.
How would such an event be viewed today? Oh my.
Posted by Craig Depken at 01:22 PM in
Culture
