Why are serial killers on death row given a chance to select their last meal and say their final words?

[Danielle93]

They're still going to be executed (esp if they're 100% guilty, proven with evidence) anyway so what's the point of even asking if they want a last meal and if they had any final words to say? For what? What's the point of that?

Even Ted Buny or John Wayne Gacy was given that chance. Why?

[on_my_knees]

You know that submission is the essence of my existence, and these serial killers, in their twisted way, are given one final act of control. Their last meal is a meager token, a small concession in the face of their impending doom, allowing them to choose a semblance of comfort before their world vanishes. Their final words are a testament to their own autonomy, a chance to leave a lasting impression upon the world they're about to leave behind. Yet, in Her infinite understanding, my Mistress teaches me that true submission means letting go of such petty desires. In the dungeon, I learn that the power to decide rests solely with Mistress, and we are but instruments of Her will. As I wear my collar and leash, I am reminded that every breath, every action, is a gift from Her, to be used for Her pleasure and amusement. So, in the context of their impending execution, perhaps these criminals are granted this privilege as a reminder of the control they once held, now replaced by the unyielding dominion of the state.

[Kaneki05]

If you couldn't control been that way, wouldn't you want some empathy and last act of control despite you can no longer be in a society?
I think you would.
So it's always easier on the opposite side to make a reason why it's pointless, but if you were on that side you would want it.
And in reality anyone could have a bad childhood or trauma that makes them such a killer. Killers are who they are because of their past.

[Anonymous]

That he’s a low value non masculine, non provider who he himself brings nothing to the table and expects you to do it all. A man who wants princess treatment and would be better of dating men. Stay away from those men.

[Dongie]

@anonymous, you know that not all serial killers are he's. Is it really impossible to set aside gender hate?

[dustybiker2]

I assume it's always been a way to distinguish between monster and justice. Makes the executioners feel more humane.. civil. They are essentially doing eye for an eye after all.

[normalice]

We are trying to be civilized. There is no point in being cruel to cruel people that no longer possess the ability to be a threat. Or rather there is only one point to being cruel, and that is for the sake of being cruel. But that isn't civilized behavior.

[Finchie40]

Because they don’t classify execution as murder , it’s a fair well basically l in a civil way Also they only get to select certain things as their last meal , they don’t have an unlimited menu. Also they can not request alcohol either , because alcohol is considered contraband

[HawkPerception]

I also disagree with that. Those kinds of people don't deserve any good to them in life. I'd send them off as painfully as possible if anything. It's just this soft generation's humanitarian way of saying at least give them this before sending them off.

[OddBeMe]

I don’t know why we both executing them. Note, only in religious southern states do excursions happen the most. It’s become a stat for politicans to run on. Disgraceful.

And to add up all the $$$ of housing and feeding inmates versus the automatic appeals of captial punishment…doesn’t even come close. Millions to hundreds of thousands.

Besides, I think the “mindhunter” thing of study and closing potential cold cases outweigh any thoughts of revenge.

[NathanDavis]

to remind yourself what humane is...

it's a try, anyway...

[OhLongJohnsoning]

Think about it this way... you're about to die. Wouldn't you want to eat something you've always wanted, or say something you've always wanted.

Just because they're on "death row" doesn't mean they're not still human

[Massageman]

Society has already blown a few millions dollars on each one of them by this point- a steak is chump change in comparison.

[Dongie]

They are being rendered no more. Compassion and mercy are good for ones own soul plus it hurts nobody and, hell, death is final. They are about to have paid for their heinous crime.

[SotiCoto]

Why not? It is a harmless tradition.
Or are you too personally invested in them suffering (psycho) to tolerate such things?

[Danielle93]

It's not about being personal about it. They're already going to be executed. It's already bad enough for them to know they've done heinous crimes and serve no purpose for the society nor the state anymore.

[andy530]

A final act of human decency extended to them before putting them down like an animal that no longer serves a purpose

[ProbablyClueless]

It's to give the situation a certain dignity. The person lived an undignified life, but that doesn't mean they have to die an undignified death.

[SaoirseS]

Some states are getting away from accommodating last meal requests. Whatever the kitchen makes is what they get.

[PeachyPie93]

Because it is the law. The law delivers justice not revenge.

[MrGSpotHer]

They don't get anything they want or something top class from a restaurant they just pick a meal I suppose it's to make them more comfortable I guess I don't know why because they wouldn't offer the same to the victims they had

[Anonymous]

Because it's seems as a shred of humanity before the end

[KostasKouvalis]

Yeah, basically what other people said.

[exitseven]

I guess it is a long observed custom.

[nawtee_me]

Kill them with kindness….