Episode
Horizon: How to Kill a Human Being
Overview
Michael Portillo looks at the science behind executions. Former Conservative MP, Michael Portillo pushes his body to the brink of death in an investigation into the science of execution. As the American Supreme Court examines whether the lethal injection is causing prisoners to die in unnecessary pain Michael sets out to find a solution which is fundamentally humane. To do so he examines the key methods of execution available today: he discovers why convicts can catch on fire in the electric chair, learns how easy it is to botch a hanging and inhales a noxious gas to experience first hand the terror of the gas chamber. Armed with some startling evidence Michael considers a completely new approach. Will it be the answer? There is only one way of finding out - to experience it himself.
Details
- Series
- Horizon
- Season
- Season 45
- Episode
- Episode 1
- Air date
- 2008-01-15
- Runtime
- 60 min
Episode context
How to Kill a Human Being is Episode 1 in 2008 of Horizon. It aired on 2008-01-15. The runtime is 60 min.
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Episode 3: What on Earth is Wrong With Gravity?
Dr Brian Cox wants to know why the Universe is built the way it is.
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Episode 4: Is Alcohol Worse than Ecstasy?
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Episode 6: How to Live to be 101
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Episode 7: Prof. Regan's Supermarket Secrets
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Episode 11: The President's Guide to Science
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