Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Ohio Judge Rejects 3-Drug Lethal Injections

Orders state to change executions

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 10, 2008 10:53 PM CDT

(Newser) – An Ohio judge has ordered authorities to stop using a lethal three-drug cocktail for executions because it may cause excruciating pain. Instead,  the judge ruled in favor of a single lethal dose of a barbiturate used in animal euthanasia, the New York Times reports. State officials are reviewing the decision—which bucks the trend of recent cases in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling that upheld similar executions.

Texas' high court, meanwhile, rejected challenges to the state's three-drug lethal injections, clearing the way for the execution of a convicted rapist and murderer tomorrow. “Texas is still Texas,” said leading death penalty opponent Richard Dieter. “They're the ones with the most dates coming up, and by year’s end, I’m quite confident they will lead the country in executions.”

A lethal injection gurney. An Ohio judge has ruled the state must stop using the controversial three drug cocktail for executions.
A lethal injection gurney. An Ohio judge has ruled the state must stop using the controversial three drug cocktail for executions.   (AP Photo/Fla. Dept. of Corrections, File)
The electric chair was replaced in many death penalty states by lethal injection which was thought more humane. The lethal injection is under renewed scrutiny.
The electric chair was replaced in many death penalty states by lethal injection which was thought more humane. The lethal injection is under renewed scrutiny.   (AP Photo)
Death row inmate Karl  Eugene Chamberlain, convicted of rape and murder, is scheduled to be executed in Texas Wednesday.
Death row inmate Karl Eugene Chamberlain, convicted of rape and murder, is scheduled to be executed in Texas Wednesday.   (AP Photo/Texas Department of Criminal Justice)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Sole Producer of Lethal Injection Drug Quits

Arizona Executes Man Using Unapproved Drug

Texas Steps Up Executions to Clear Logjam

Death Penalty Details Withheld

Executions Drop to 13-Year Low


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne