Each state sets its own rules regarding the execution of men and women on death row but here’s what usually happens leading up to the execution: A few days before: The inmate is moved to a special cell where he or she can be observed closely from that moment until the execution occurs. This is to prevent the inmate from committing suicide or from getting so anxiety-filled that he or she causes self-harm. The cells are different in each state but they are typically visible on all four sides. Guards are assigned to sit just outside the cell and observe the inmate constantly. On that day: Meal: Many states allow the inmate to order whatever he or she wants for the last meal as long as it is on the prison menu. It is widely rumored that death row inmates order elaborate meals not normally fed to inmates such as lobster, shrimp and other rich foods, but this is not the case. They must stick to the prison menu, but they are sometimes allowed to order double portions if they want to. Family: All death row prisoners are given a last visit with loved ones on the scheduled execution day. Some prisons allow an in-person visit while others insist it be done through glass partitions or a computer monitor. These visits are typically a few hours long. On that final day, there is a phone made available so the inmate can call those who cannot come to visit. Attorney: At this point the attorneys for the inmate are typically making last efforts to stop the execution. Many motions are being filed almost simultaneously with the hope that one court will step in and at least call the execution off until the case can be heard. In some instances, the inmate has directed his attorneys to stop all attempts and accept the execution without a fight. Most prisons allow the attorney to be with the inmate in the final hours if it is what the inmate wants. Spirituality: The right to spiritual counsel is typically offered. Even after the families have ended the visit the spiritual adviser is usually allowed to remain until the very end. If the inmate requests an adviser and does not have one, the prison will provide one. Final thoughts: A few minutes before the execution is to happen the inmate is escorted to the execution chamber. There are several phones near or in the chamber in case a last minute stay of execution is granted. If not, the inmate is allowed to make a last statement if he or she chooses to do so and the execution order is read and carried out.