Another thing that distinguishes the technique from more brutal and primitive methods is the clinical care used in its administration. The subject is reassured he will not die, nor be allowed to suffer harm (hence, the medic’s presence). It’s terrifying, to be sure, but it avoid being altogether Dark-Side because it cannot kill.

Mock-executions (line up, firing squad, blanks or deliberate miss; nasty indeed) however, are a different matter. The potential for harm is there, of course, as is the apparent desire to inflict death. A very different technique, and barbaric in the extreme, even if it leaves no marks.