How the Guillotine Got Axed

"The guillotine, once a concrete presence in France, is now a phantom, with only remnants like a blade in a museum to remind us of its past."

"Before the Revolution, execution methods varied by class, with nobles receiving a swift beheading while others faced harsher punishments, highlighting societal inequities."

"Joseph-Ignace Guillotin, who opposed the death penalty, advocated for a humane execution method, leading to the creation of the guillotine as a more equitable solution."

"France's abolition of capital punishment in 1981 marked a significant shift in societal values, demonstrating the potential for change in attitudes towards justice and punishment."

France abolished capital punishment in 1981, leading to the near disappearance of the guillotine from public life. The guillotine, once a prominent execution method, is now represented only by artifacts in museums. The device was originally designed to make executions more humane, reflecting a shift in societal values regarding capital punishment. Prior to the Revolution, execution methods varied by social class, prompting calls for a more equitable approach to justice. France's experience offers valuable lessons for contemporary discussions on capital punishment in the U.S.

Read at The New Yorker