Did You Know Why Judges Break The Nib of Their pens After Awarding the Death Sentence?

3No Power to revoke the decision

Once the death order has been signed, the judge has no power to rewrite that punishment. This is another reason why the nib is broken signaling the end.

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4Dissolving the guilt of Awarding the death sentence

Awarding a death sentence is never easy for a judge as it is akin to taking someone's life. The thought of being responsible for someone's death can trigger negative emotions. When the nib is broken and the pen is rendered useless, it is discarded which works well for the judges as they can avoid the guilt of using the pen that was used to sentence someone to death. The dark thoughts of guilt, worry and how the bereaved family would cope can cripple the mind.

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5Breaking the nib is an old custom

Breaking the nib after awarding the death penalty is being followed by the judges right from British Rule in India. It is said that issuing a death order is never easy for the judges and by breaking the nib they release their pain. The pain of removing a person from their family, putting them through sorrow and hardships and maybe poverty too, may trouble the judges. Emotions tend to play high at this time and this little ritual provides some relief from their agony. So, now you know why judges break the nib after awarding the death sentence to the offenders.

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