I was just curious if something has changed that has slowed down executing the death sentences in SC, and NC recently.
I was just curious if something has changed that has slowed down executing the death sentences in SC, and NC recently.
In early 2007, the NC Medical Society board decided it was unethical for doctors to participate in putting people to death and threatened to punish any doctor who did. Prison officials couldn't find any doctors to take part, so they couldn't execute anyone.
The Department of Corrections took the NC Medical Society to court. The case went all the way to the state’s Supreme Court, which ruled in 2009 that the medical board could NOT punish doctors for following state law.
In the meantime, two other legal issues surfaced that are still unresolved.
A group of inmates has sued the state over changes made in 2007 to the state’s execution protocol. The plaintiffs say the way those changes were made didn't follow state law. That case has also been heard by the state Supreme Court, but no ruling has been issued yet.
Another case is before Wake County Judge Donald Stephens. Death row inmates in that lawsuit say lethal injection violates their constitutional protection against cruel and unusual punishment. That case has gone on for several years, and two similar federal cases are on hold until Stephens makes his ruling. The next hearing in that case was scheduled for sometime this month.
I'll look for something on that ruling tomorrow.
As far as what is going on in South Carolina... I have no idea.
There's also been a slowdown in Missouri and Arkansas!
Heidi, get your butt over there and personally escort the scumbags to the death chamber!
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