Death By Hanging: What Saddam Faced

Saddam will most likely face the noose as early as today, as an Iraqi appeals court rejected his final appeal against his death sentence this week. (AP Photo)

By DAN CHILDS
ABC News Medical Unit

Dec. 29, 2006 — Saddam Hussein was executed by hanging after his death sentence was upheld by an Iraqi appeals court this week.

Many have wondered what Saddam and others experienced when an executioner pulls the lever to release the trapdoor beneath their feet.

The true answer to this question will likely never be known, but forensic experts say that in all likelihood, the chosen method of execution delivered results that were swift — and effective.

"Basically it's 'drop, crack, dead' — if it's done right," said Dr. D.P. Lyle, a cardiologist and author of the book "Forensics for Dummies."

"Usually in judicial deaths of any type…the hallmark of what they want to do is try to do it as humanely as possible," said Dr. James Young, president of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. "That's the idea, anyway."

"In hanging, it's over really quickly," Young said.

Source: abcnews.com