3 months ago
Ohio says its decision to become the first state to execute inmates using one drug eliminates further discussion of whether the injection causes pain and could be unconstitutional.
Some death penalty opponents agree but say it could be years
before other states follow suit. Attorney General Richard Cordray says a long-running lawsuit against the state is based on allegations that drugs that paralyze and stop the heart could be painful for condemned inmates.
Cordray said Friday the state's decision to adopt a single,
fatal anesthetic removes that risk and renders the lawsuit's
arguments moot. State Public Defender Tim Young, whose offices represent some inmates involved in the lawsuit, supports the single anesthetic.
The state's decision comes two months after an Ohio death row
inmate walked away from an unsuccessful execution.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
