Howdy Partner, You Want Numbers on Hangings? We Got Your Back (Well, Not Literally)
Texas, the land of wide-open spaces, ten-gallon hats, and apparently, a whole lot of executions. Now, before you think we're some bloodthirsty bunch who two-step to the electric chair, let's wrangle in this steer and unpack the numbers with a little Texas-sized humor.
Buckle Up, Because We're Going Back in Time (Way Back)
We're talking since 1819, partner. Back when folks settled disputes with six-shooters and justice was served faster than a rattlesnake strike. Seems back then, folks weren't too keen on lengthy appeals or conjugal visits on death row. Over 1,340 folks met their maker (yeehaw, not the cheery kind) by hanging, electric chair, and you betcha, even a firing squad or two for good measure.
Now Let's Talk Modern Times (Well, As Modern As Texas Gets)
Since the Supreme Court put the kibosh on capital punishment for a while in the 70s (figures, someone had to rain on our parade), Texas has been the undisputed champion of executions in the US. We're talking 587 folks since 1982, which is more than a third of the whole country combined! That's a lot of folks, enough to make a tumbleweed do a double take.
But here's the kicker: The number of executions has been slowing down in recent years. Maybe folks are getting softer, or maybe lawyers are just better at those fancy appeals. Who knows?
Why So Many Executions, Y'all Ask?
Well, that's a whole other can of chili. Some folks say it's our strong sense of justice, others say it's a hangover from the Wild West days. There's also something to be said about Texas' legal system being particularly efficient (or perhaps not so efficient, depending on who you ask) when it comes to capital punishment.
Whatever the reason, one thing's for sure: Texas and executions, it's a long and storied history.
So there you have it, folks. The lowdown on Lone Star executions. Remember, knowledge is power, even if that knowledge involves a sprinkle of history and a whole lot of "y'alls."
