Lethal injection
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 drugs:
- Sodium pentathol - a sedative to put the prisoner to sleep
- Pancuronium bromide - a paralyzing agent that stops the prisoner's breathing
- Potassium chloride - a drug that causes the heart to cease beating
Lethal injection was first used on December 7, 1982, when Charlie Brooks was executed in Texas. [1]
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. [2] In September, 2007, the Supreme Court agreed to hear a case over whether Kentucky's three-drug lethal injection cocktail violates the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution by constituting cruel and unusual punishment. [3] 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. [4]
Lethal injection is the preferred method for executions in the United States. It has also been used in China, Guatemala and the Philippines. [5]
References
- ↑ http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/stat/drowfacts.htm
- ↑ http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/264/story/19957.html
- ↑ Supreme Court to Hear Case on Constitutionality of Lethal Injection, Lee Ross, Fox News Channel, January 06, 2008
- ↑ http://www.christianpost.com/article/20070930/29513_Is_Lethal_Injection_'Cruel_and_Unusual'%3F.htm
- ↑ http://www.richard.clark32.btinternet.co.uk/injection.html