The electric chair was first used by the New York State in 1890 and some horrific executions occurred over the years. However, the Supreme Court has never declared a method of execution unconstitutional because it is cruel or unusual. Tennessee has now 74 prisoners scheduled on death row. The actual decision will generate controversial discussions. According to the criminal defense attorney David Raybin, sustained by many others, lawmakers may change the method of execution but they cannot make that change retroactive without violating the Constitution. A poll released this week found that 56 percent of registered voters in Tennessee support the use of the electric chair, while 37 percent are against it. The first scheduled execution in Tennessee will be in October,7.
