Summary execution

A summary execution is a type of extrajudicial punishment in which a person suspected of subversive or other criminal activity is killed, often at the time and place of their being discovered, and hence usually without any meaningful inquiry or investigation. Summary executions typically occur in a theatre of war, or in a protracted riot or other context of profound instability where a functioning criminal justice system is unavailable. To define further, they also typically occur outside; bringing the accused to an office or lockup, or before the finders' superior, is generally a prelude to an inquest or trial.

Related Topics:
Extrajudicial punishment - Subversive - Kill - War - Riot

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Summary executions are often carried out expediently by using firearms, hanging, stabbing, stoning, and decapitating, among other methods. Poisoning, electrocution, and other tortures requiring controlled conditions would be impractical. They are often a tactic of early resort employed by groups involved in guerrilla warfare, or vice versa, as was the case with Che Guevara.

Related Topics:
Guerrilla warfare - Che Guevara

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~