Execution no deterrent

YOUR thought-provoking article on reformed US executioners (Forum, October 15) prompts the question: Why did they not opt out of the evil process just as conscientious objectors to war do?

The autobiography of Britain’s long-time official executioner, Albert Pierrepoint is revealing. Having hanged hundreds worldwide, he ultimately opposed the death penalty as no deterrent but merely retribution.

A French medieval poet Francois Villon put the point tellingly: “You cannot make a man better by cutting off his head”.