Talk:List of botched executions

should we add Jesus to this list?

Just saying, it was technically a botched execution. Probably the most widely recognized one. --nathanbeach 14:34, 1 April 2024 (UTC)

Good point. Feel free to do so after finding a reliable source. 2001:9E8:4618:5C00:AD39:FCBE:91FC:6C1E (talk) 18:19, 17 May 2025 (UTC)

I mean. Was it, though? Per the description on this page, Botched executions occur when there is a breakdown in, or departure from, the 'protocol' for a particular method of execution. The protocol can be established by the norms, expectations, and advertised virtues of each method or by the government's officially adopted execution guidelines. Botched executions are 'those involving unanticipated problems or delays that caused, at least arguably, unnecessary agony for the prisoner or that reflect gross incompetence of the executioner.' The 'protocol' for crucifixion varied, but pretty much every part of Jesus' crucifixion could be considered fairly standard - dragging the beam to the place of execution, scourging, nailing, stabbing to hasten death, etc. I think the only unique bit was the crown of thorns.

You could refer to it as 'botched' if you believe that Jesus returned from the dead, but even then, it's not debated that he was dead, which is the point of an execution, which would still mean that it wasn't botched. NekoKatsun (nyaa) 16:09, 19 May 2025 (UTC)

Should Charles Guiteau be added?

There is a good source that says how his neck was broken as soon as the rope fell during his execution. Would this be substantial or good enough to add? He did kill the president after all. Sharkpu8the8th (talk) 22:52, 1 April 2026 (UTC)

Was his execution botched? Botched executions occur when there is a breakdown in, or departure from, the 'protocol' for a particular method of execution. The protocol can be established by the norms, expectations, and advertised virtues of each method or by the government's officially adopted execution guidelines. Botched executions are 'those involving unanticipated problems or delays that caused, at least arguably, unnecessary agony for the prisoner or that reflect gross incompetence of the executioner.' It doesn't sound like a botch to me - the hanging broke his neck immediately, and although he had a weak pulse after being cut down, I don't think there's really any argument for 'unnecessary agony' or 'gross incompetence'. Funnily, he did present his own argument against having killed the president: "The doctors killed Garfield, I just shot him." Just thought that was interesting. NekoKatsun (nyaa) 15:27, 2 April 2026 (UTC)

Some of these on here are of people who survived after the execution, and since he had any heartbeat at all after being cut down (aka the execution ending), wouldn't that count? Sharkpu8the8th (talk) 20:42, 2 April 2026 (UTC)

I don't think it would, no. His neck broke and he died; it's normal for the heart to keep beating for a little bit after a broken neck (it's one of the last things to stop). I don't think that's a breakdown or departure from the norm, that is the norm. NekoKatsun (nyaa) 22:45, 2 April 2026 (UTC)