What Really Happens In Your Last 24 Hours On Death Row?

2. Final Words

Once everything has been prepared, and the condemned has been hooked up to the IV, they are usually turned to face the witnesses. This could be done through a one-way mirror, making it impossible for the prisoner to see the witnesses, but in most states, they are able to see the people viewing the execution.

At this time, they are given the option to make a final statement. They can do this verbally, they can read something they previously wrote, they can have someone else read their words, or they can say absolutely nothing. It's up to them.

Whatever their final words are, they are recorded and released to the media, which has the option to report them if they so desire. In some situations, the prisoner's final words may be responded to by a witness, but this isn't the norm.

Witnesses are often left to hear the final words without response, but it depends on a number of factors, including the prison's rules and the situation at hand.