Could a criminal really request anything for a last meal?

Not quite! While there is a tradition of condemned prisoners requesting a last meal, it doesn't mean they get absolutely anything they want. There are limitations and restrictions in place.

Here's a breakdown:

What prisoners can request:

• Reasonable and obtainable items: They can choose dishes within budget limitations, typically around $30-$40. Exotic or expensive ingredients might get substituted.
• Non-alcoholic and non-tobacco items: Sorry, no celebratory champagne or calming cigarettes allowed.
• Culturally or religiously significant meals: Some prisons accommodate requests that hold cultural or religious significance, if feasible.

What prisoners cannot request:

• Alcohol and tobacco: As mentioned earlier, these are off the menu.
• Excessive quantities: Forget about ordering a feast for the whole cell block. Portions are usually reasonable.
• Unrealistic or dangerous items: No live animals, illegal substances, or anything that could be used to harm themselves or others.

Examples of unusual requests:

• Victor Feguer (1960): A single olive with the pit, hoping an olive tree (symbol of peace) would grow from his grave.
• Ronnie Lee Gardner (2010): A steak, lobster tail, apple pie, and ice cream. He left most of it untouched.
• Luis Monge (2016): A single serving of communion bread and grape juice.

Ultimately, the last meal is a symbolic gesture, a chance for condemned individuals to find comfort in familiar flavors before facing their fate. It's not an opportunity to indulge in extravagance or make outrageous demands.

So, while prisoners can't have absolutely anything they want, they do have some leeway in choosing their last meal. It's a small act of humanity in the face of a very final sentence.