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Up until as late as 1968, the sentence for a sex offender was sometimes a combination of several strokes of the paddle and a confinement sentence as well. As I recall, the punishment was enough, that many members of the Justice system claimed fewer sex offenses were committed after the paddle was administered.
There were various methods used, depending on the individual Institution. The main purpose, as it was explained to me, was to remind the perpetrator to think twice the next time he decided to pull his pants down.
The procedure was begun by bringing the prisoner into an area with what was referred to as "The Strapping Table". The table was equipped to raise or lower in accordance with the prisoner's height. There were leather retaining straps at the far end of the table and at the sides as well.
The prisoner was first blindfolded and then led over to the table where he was ordered to drop his own trousers. He was instructed to bend over and stretch his arms out towards the far end of the table. He was then strapped firmly to the table by the side straps, and then by legging straps so he was held solidly enough in place, that he couldn't possibly move. His hands and wrists
were then secured by the end straps, tight enough, that no movement was allowed there, either.
The "Strapping" was done by two different methods: manually, or by machine. I don't know if they were given a choice, but I understand that some prisoners who received it more than once said they couldn't define the difference, except to remark that they thought the human way seemed to be sadistically enjoyed far too much by the guy swinging the paddle.
The paddle was constructed such that it was approx. 2 to 2 1/2 ft. long, with the paddle end being 4 inches wide, flat and lined with rows of perforations in it, taking up about 1/2 the length.
Before the punishment started, a doctor would test the recipient's heart with a stethoscope to ensure there was no serious heart problem. Then, the punishment began. The procedure was so painful that only one stroke was given sometimes, and often only once a month. The perforations did lasting damage at times.
The swinging of the paddle was done by one of the burlier prison guards, and he received the rest of the day off and an extra gratuity as well, for his efforts.
The less expensive method was by machine, since it cost no more than just the operation of it.
It was a paddle mounted on a stand, with a strong spring that was cranked back a calculated distance from the prisoner's buttocks, then released.( I wonder if they wore ear plugs???)
The practice was eventually discontinued in 1968 due to it being considered unusually cruel punishment.
After hearing about the Penn. State incident, would you think it is? Just askin'.
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