Sounds like they're squad is still learning "the ropes". The drop or length of rope determines whether the neck fractures properly to cause immediate paralysis perhaps immediate unconsciousness. To short, they dangle there kicking.......to long, off with the head. Since beheading is the ultimate disgrace.......this time it wasn't such a bad thing.

Here's a hangmans chart:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Official_Table_of_Drops

Have a good one!:jointsmile: