Over the years there were ways of punishing criminals. Like the pillory which is a device made of wooden or metal framework erected on the post with a hole for securing the heads and hands formerley used for punishment by public humilation. Or being hanged by an angry mob. Also by getting whipped or being shot to death. The famous punishment is the guillotine. Which is a machine that beheads criminals. The guillotine is a tall frame thats has blade raised to the top and suspended. The person is secured at the bottom their neck is held at the bottom of the blade. The blade is released and falls to cut the neck. The guillotine was used to execute prisoners. It was introduced in the late 18 century in France. This death machine became a bloody symbol to the people in the French Revolution!