The Final, Decisive Moment

A partial photographic history of executions.

Warning: This story contains graphic photographs. Viewer discretion is advised.

“I have never been able to make a sharp picture of executions,” LIFE magazine photographer Carl Mydans said. “It has nothing to do with the imperfections of my camera or my own failure as a photographer. It has to do, I now understand, with an inward revolt, a self-revolt aga…