When a person accused of a crime is convicted and sentenced to capital punishment, the person can make a final statement, or express their "last words", before being executed. Much of the time, the last word is an apology to family, friends, or God. Sometimes though, a final statement includes words of hatred, disgust, or defiance. In the era of public hangings, the gallows speech was often an opportunity to harangue the authorities and seek the sympathy of the crowd; some political criminals enhanced their status as martyrs with memorable gallows speeches.
Read more about Final Statement: Examples
Famous quotes containing the words final and/or statement:
“Child with continuing cling issued his No in final fire,
Kissed back the colored maid,
Not wise enough to freeze or be afraid.
Conscious of kindness, easy creature bond.
Love had been handy and rapid to respond.”
—Gwendolyn Brooks (b. 1917)
“No statement about God is simply, literally true. God is far more than can be measured, described, defined in ordinary language, or pinned down to any particular happening.”
—David Jenkins (b. 1925)