Beating the condemned to death would be a major step backward for a civilized society.

Unless one is opposed to the infliction of death as punishment whatsoever, then methods which are swift and painless ought to be favored.

Executions are primarily to satisfy some Old Testament need for revenge. If you hear talk radio discussions of the death penalty, there is often discussion of why we should make execution crueler. Many people think it's too kind.

When you said "for many," I thought perhaps you had a list of names.