Why were public executions held before large crowds?

Historically, public executions were held before large crowds primarily as a form of general deterrence. By conducting these events in the open, authorities intended to use the spectacle of death to instill fear in potential offenders and discourage them from committing similar crimes.1

Additionally, public punishment served the purpose of denunciation, acting as a form of community moral education. By subjecting the condemned to public shame and criticism, the state sought to reinforce the community's rejection of criminal behavior and uphold social order.1

However, these events often devolved into disorderly spectacles. Crowds frequently became unruly, with attendees fighting for better views, drinking, and treating the execution like a carnival or social event. Over time, these displays were increasingly criticized as cruel and counterproductive, leading many jurisdictions to transition to private hangings to maintain dignity and order. Today, the practice of public execution is widely condemned by international bodies, such as the United Nations Human Rights Committee, as being incompatible with human dignity.234