tence, and murder for hire. (Information Plus 55) According to Adam Bedau, the most traditional methods of execution include hanging and firing squads. Over centuries new methods have been used. The most commo!
             n used in the United States is electrocution. (Bedau 6) In 1983, a man named John Evans was electrocuted. An eyewitness of the execution describes the awful death of Mr. Evans: "At 8:30 p.m. the first jolt of 1900 volts of electricity passed through Mr. Evans' body. It lasted thirty seconds. Sparks and flames erupted ... from the electrode tied to Mr. Evans' left leg. His body slammed against the straps holding him in the electric chair and his fist clenched permanently. The electrode apparently burst from the strap holding it in place. A large puff of grayish smoke and sparks poured out from under the hood that covered Mr. Evans' face. An overpowering stench of burnt flesh and clothing began pervading the witness room. Two doctors examined Mr. Evans and declared that he was not dead. The electrode on the left leg was refastened.... Mr. Evans was administered a second thirty second jolt of electricity. The stench of burning flesh was nauseating. More smoke emanated from his le!
             g and head. Again, the doctors examined Mr. Evans. [They] reported that his heart was still beating, and that he was still alive." On the third try he finally died, taking a total of fourteen minutes. (Bedau 6) Another method of execution is the gas chamber in which the prisoner is placed in an airtight room and forced to inhale lethal gas. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens witnessed the lethal gas execution of Don Harding in 1992, "When the fumes enveloped Don's head he took a quick breath. A few seconds later he again looked in my direction. His face was red and contorted as if he were attempting to fight through tremendous pain. His mouth was pursed shut and his jaw was clenched tight. Don then look several more quick gulps of the fume...