For the source text click/tap here: Sanhedrin 44
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When death sentences are carried out in civilized countries that have a death penalty, the condemned is asked to confess and show regret for the crime that he committed.
The Mishna teaches that Jewish law strongly encourages this behavior. According to the Mishna (43b), when the condemned man was ten cubits from the place of execution the court-appointed individuals who escorted him would tell him to confess, since by doing so his execution would serve as an atonement for him and he would receive a share in the World-to-Come.
We explore public confessions and vidui.