Other death penalty states watching appeal of Ark. lethal injection case
By APThursday, September 24, 2009
Others states watching Ark. lethal injection case
ST. LOUIS — An attorney for four Arkansas death row inmates says that even with new procedures in place, the state’s lethal injection process could cause tremendous pain and suffering.
The inmates are challenging the procedure before a panel of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Other death penalty states are watching the outcome, which isn’t expected for several weeks. Lethal injection had been on hold across the country until a Supreme Court ruling last year.
After that ruling, Arkansas officials introduced new procedures.
Joe Cordi of the Arkansas Attorney General’s office told the panel the new protocol is thorough in trying to ensure the inmate doesn’t suffer. The attorney for the inmates, Scott Braden, said concerns remain about the written procedures and how they are carried out.
