Supreme Court to Hear Lethal Injection Challenge

From the Washington Post:

Invented almost three decades ago as a humane alternative to other methods of execution, lethal injection is now on the defensive, facing a surprisingly effective attack in the courts from those who argue that it actually can cause intense but undetectable physical pain.

The court challenges have at least temporarily slowed the pace of capital punishment as it was otherwise declining because of falling murder rates and public concern over the system's fairness and accuracy.

Although there is no prospect that the courts will abolish lethal injection, the Supreme Court could make it easier for convicted murderers to press such claims -- further delaying their executions -- if it rules in favor of a Florida death row inmate, Clarence E. Hill, whose case is scheduled for oral arguments today.

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Also check out:

High Court Justices Clash Over Executions from the Washington Post.

--Tom Hayes