When the wheel was used as a method of punishment crime became almost non existant at Fort Louisbourg, Nova Scotia. It only totally stopped when the courts could find no people to administer the punishment. Even the army declined to provide executioners.

Basically on minor infractions you were strapped to the wheel and an iron bar was used to break your limbs and chest cage. If the infraction was not too severe you were then put to death.

Severe infractions you died slowley at your own pace after the punishment was applied. This was under the French justice system. The deterent seemed to be very effective as the community was a place young adventures went to from France to make their fortune fast. It acted as a very effective control and deterent it was reputed.

Todays restoration of the place does not incorporate the wheel or any mention of it. Yet to me it was a valid part of the places past and history. The French are credited with developing the justice system.