An Arkansas judge faces judicial sanction for blocking the state’s use of a lethal injection drug on the same day he pro- tested the death penalty out- side the governor’s mansion, reported The Associated Press. The Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission charged Judge Wendell Griffen, a Pulaski County Circuit Judge, with violating ethics rules in June. The three- member panel cited the judge’s online and social media comments against the death penalty as evidence of an ethical violation. Griffen asked a judicial ethics … [Read more...] about Arkansas judge faces sanction for blocking lethal injection
execution methods
Nebraska executes inmate using Fentanyl
Despite being sued by a pharmaceutical company for alleged unauthorized use, the state of Nebraska was successful in executing a prisoner on death row using the addictive drug fentanyl, according to NPR News. Robert Dunham, head of the Death Penalty Information Center, believed the use of fentanyl—the first execution in the country using the chemical—was unusual. “It’s somewhat ironic that at the same time the Justice Department and states are talking about how dangerous fentanyl is and how it’s created a national public health emergency … [Read more...] about Nebraska executes inmate using Fentanyl
CDCR officials seek new execution drug
California corrections officials are asking regulators to approve a revised method to carry out the death penalty. “The new regulations would allow California’s Death Row inmates at San Quentin State Prison to be executed using one of two different drugs or choose the gas chamber,” The Associated Press reports. Prison officials will select either the powerful barbiturate pentobarbital or thiopental for each execution “depending on which one is available.” Opponents argue officials are trying to work around a nationwide shortage of these drugs … [Read more...] about CDCR officials seek new execution drug