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[[Image:lethalinjection.jpg|right|250px|thumb|A corrections officer preparing for a lethal injection.]]

[[Image:lethalinjection.jpg|right|250px|thumb|A corrections officer preparing for a lethal injection.]]

'''Lethal injection''' is a method of [[execution]] used for crimes which warrant [[capital punishment]]. The usual procedure for lethal injection involves strapping a prisoner down to a gurney-style bed. Two sets of [[intravenous]] tubes are inserted into each of the prisoner's arms.  A typical lethal injection will include three [[drug]]s:

'''Lethal injection''' is a method of [[execution]] used in [[capital punishment]]. The usual procedure for lethal injection involves strapping a prisoner down to a gurney-style bed. Two sets of [[intravenous]] tubes are inserted into each of the prisoner's arms.  A typical lethal injection will include three [[drug]]s:

* [[Sodium Pentathol]] - a sedative to put the prisoner to sleep

* [[Sodium Pentathol]] - a sedative to put the prisoner to sleep

* [[Pavulon]] - a [[paralysis|paralyzing]] agent that to stop the breathing

* [[Pavulon]] - a [[paralysis|paralyzing]] agent that to stop the breathing

Lethal injection was first used on December 7, 1982, when Charlie Brooks was executed in [[Texas]]. <ref>http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/stat/drowfacts.htm</ref>

Lethal injection was first used on December 7, 1982, when Charlie Brooks was executed in [[Texas]]. <ref>http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/stat/drowfacts.htm</ref>

Death by lethal injection has not traditionally been believed to be painful as the inmate will go to sleep prior to the death-inducing drugs being pumped in their veins, however, recent medical findings have called this into question. <ref>http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/264/story/19957.html</ref> In September, 2007, the [[Supreme Court]] agreed to hear a case over whether [[Kentucky]]'s three-drug lethal injection procedure violates the Eighth Amendent to the Constitution by constituting cruel and unusual punishment. <ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,320527,00.html Supreme Court to Hear Case on Constitutionality of Lethal Injection], Lee Ross, [[Fox News Channel]], January 06, 2008</ref> Several other states have postponed all executions until this case is resolved, although [[Texas]], which executes far more criminals than any other state, has not placed a moratorium on executions. <ref>http://www.christianpost.com/article/20070930/29513_Is_Lethal_Injection_'Cruel_and_Unusual'%3F.htm</ref>

Death by lethal injection has not traditionally been believed to be painful as the inmate will lose consciousness prior to the death-inducing drugs being pumped in their veins. Recent medical findings, however, have called this into question. <ref>http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/264/story/19957.html</ref> In September, 2007, the [[Supreme Court]] agreed to hear a case over whether [[Kentucky]]'s three-drug lethal injection procedure violates the Eighth Amendent to the Constitution by constituting cruel and unusual punishment. <ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,320527,00.html Supreme Court to Hear Case on Constitutionality of Lethal Injection], Lee Ross, [[Fox News Channel]], January 06, 2008</ref> Several other states have postponed all executions until this case is resolved, although [[Texas]], which executes far more criminals than any other state, has not placed a moratorium on executions. <ref>http://www.christianpost.com/article/20070930/29513_Is_Lethal_Injection_'Cruel_and_Unusual'%3F.htm</ref>

Lethal injection is the preferred method for executions in the [[United States]].  It has also been used in [[China]], [[Guatemala]] and the [[Philippines]]. <ref>http://www.richard.clark32.btinternet.co.uk/injection.html</ref>

Lethal injection is the preferred method for executions in the [[United States]].  It has also been used in [[China]], [[Guatemala]] and the [[Philippines]]. <ref>http://www.richard.clark32.btinternet.co.uk/injection.html</ref>