The former UK politician Michael Portillo did a documentary on that very subject and came to just that conclusion: https://www.theguardian.com/culture/tvandrad

The former UK politician Michael Portillo did a documentary on that very subject and came to just that conclusion: https://www.theguardian.com/culture/tvandradioblog/2008/jan/16/lastnightstvhorizonhowto https://www.theguardian.com/culture/tvandradioblog/2008/jan/... There did seem to be some resistance to the idea that executions would be simply drifting off - suffering seemed to be a desired part of it :-( Edit: For the record, I'm not in favour executing anyone but if it has to be done I don't see why people have to suffer.