The death penalty is still being practiced in 55 countries and various methods are under question, due to the level of pain that convicted criminals may feel. Death by lethal injection is on hold in the US, while the Supreme Court decides whether it is ‘a cruel and unusual’ form of punishment. It was initially inaugurated for the benefit of the ‘hangman’, in that all that was required from him was the push of a button which is much easier on his mental state. Some have stated that this is a moot point and that how the murderer ‘had murdered, is how he or she should be put to death. If he stabbed, stab, if he shot, shoot.’ The debate continues to rage.