Public execution

A public execution is a formal death penalty carried out in a setting accessible to the public, often in a town square or central location. Its purpose is to serve as a visible punishment intended to deter others from committing similar crimes. Historically, these events attracted large crowds and were used both as a judicial act and a societal spectacle. Today, public executions are almost universally abolished due to concerns over human rights, ethics, and the potential for disrupting social order.