A mercy shot is a final shot delivered in an execution. It follows after at least one original shot intended to mortally wound or kill the victim.[1] It is considered "merciful" in the sense that it ends the physical suffering of the person being executed. The use of the mercy shot is not universal; due to limited compassion for the victims or due to limited available ammunition, some execution victims are left to die of their wounds or are simply buried alive, without a mercy shot.
- ^ Ordinary Men, Christopher R. Browning
