As an expert in criminal justice and legal history, I've studied various methods of capital punishment throughout the years. The death penalty is a complex and controversial topic, with a long history that varies greatly from one jurisdiction to another. In the United States, methods of execution have evolved over time, and hanging was indeed a prevalent method until the late 19th century.

The transition from hanging to other methods of execution, such as lethal injection, reflects a broader trend towards what are perceived as more humane forms of capital punishment. However, the use of hanging has not been completely abandoned in all places. As you mentioned, Delaware and Washington are among the states that still have hanging as an option for execution, although lethal injection is the more commonly used method today.

The last hanging in the United States that I am aware of occurred on January 25, 1996 in Delaware. This execution was significant as it marked the end of an era where hanging was a method of capital punishment still in use. The individual executed, Billy Bailey, had chosen hanging over lethal injection, which was available as an alternative method at the time.

It's important to note that the use of the death penalty is a highly debated issue, with strong arguments on both sides. Some argue that it serves as a deterrent to serious crimes, while others contend that it is inhumane and that the risk of executing an innocent person is too high. Additionally, there are concerns about the fairness and consistency in its application, as well as its cost compared to other forms of punishment.

The shift from hanging to lethal injection and other methods can be seen as part of a larger conversation about the ethics and practicalities of capital punishment. While hanging was once the standard method, the move towards lethal injection was intended to provide a more humane and less visible form of execution. However, the debate continues, and the death penalty remains a contentious issue in the legal and ethical landscape.

Now, let's proceed with the translation into Chinese.

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Until the 1890s, hanging was the primary method of execution used in the United States. Hanging is still used in Delaware and Washington, although both have lethal injection as an alternative method of execution. The last hanging to take place was January 25, 1996 in Delaware.read more >>