1. truth – the aim of any justice system is to unearth the truth about the role of the accused in the crime committed. But the investigation for the truth did not always yield accurate “truths” because of the judicial torture that was employed to extract confession. Foucalt believes that the system in place did much more to produce “truth” than to actually find it through legitimate investigation. Determining the “truth” via torture both excused and encourage innumerable heinous acts.
2. power- the role of the public execution is one of power relations. It is the complete exposition of what happens if you decide to test the strength of the ruling officials. They serve as an example to the masses that although you may succeed in your criminal act but the system will ultimately extract its revenge. This steers the populace away from crime because of the prospect that they too may cry out mercifully from the gallows.
3. theatrical- the role of the public execution is one in which political motivations are accomplished by demonstrating brute force. This force is highly accentuated by the dramatic scene of a person on death’s door pleading for a pardon as their bodies are mutilated. The torture of a person for 18 days is done so that the image of this weary soul cannot escape you and serves as a constant reminder of the punitive system. Punishment often plucked the heart-strings of the public.