Capital Punishment
Capital Punishment is a profoundly complex and controversial aspect of the criminal justice system. This section provides articles that explore the history, legal frameworks, and ethical debates surrounding Capital Punishment in various jurisdictions. Correctional professionals can gain insights into the procedures, implications, and ongoing discussions about using the death penalty. Understanding Capital Punishment is crucial for those involved in its administration and those engaged in broader criminal justice reform efforts. For further context, explore related topics on supermax prisons.
Lethal injection remains the most common method in the U.S., but states are increasingly exploring alternatives due to drug shortages and legal challenges
In late 2024, Aaron Gunches asked the Arizona Supreme Court to schedule his execution as soon as possible, saying his death sentence was “long overdue”
The state had not carried out an execution in 15 years due to legal challenges and difficulties obtaining lethal injection drugs
Gov. Ron DeSantis also signed a bill to end a unanimous jury requirement in death penalty sentencing
Richard Glossip is scheduled to die by lethal injection on May 18
Along with hiding the name of the sellers of drugs, the bill also keeps the names and normal jobs of the members of the execution team from the public
The prosecutor still has not said whether he will seek the death penalty against Bryan Kohberger if he is convicted
Darryl B. Barwick set to be executed next month for 1986 murder of Florida Panhandle resident, Rebecca Wendt
They must explain why the court shouldn’t issue an order against them on the grounds they are violating the constitutional rights of victims
State joins Mississippi, Utah, Oklahoma and South Carolina allowing firing squads if other execution methods are unavailable
Gov. Katie Hobbs said executions won’t be carried out until they can be confident that the state isn’t violating constitutional rights
House Bill 186 passed the Senate by a 24-11 vote; it overwhelmingly passed the House earlier this month
The state’s governor said he would consider signing the newly proposed bill into law if passed by legislature
State asks for audio tapes back from the Library of Virginia after a NPR story on the existence of execution recordings
State District Judge Jim Fallon withdrew the date after lawyers requested more time to review competency
Idaho would become the fifth state to approve a firing squad as a backup to the lethal injection drug shortage
In a letter, Gov. Kay Ivey said “it is time to resume our duty of carrying out lawful death sentences”
A veteran officer called the killing “horrific,” saying “it’s the worst one I’ve seen, certainly in 22 years”
The state has executed more inmates per capita than any other state since the reinstatement of the death penalty in 1976
The state eliminated its never-used firing squad option in 2009, but has been unable to secure the drugs needed for lethal injection executions
Jurors in the inmate’s case were wrongly told that the only way to ensure he would never walk free was to sentence him to death
Andre Thomas’ attorneys say he will never be competent for his April 5 execution.
Nitrogen hypoxia is seen as a solution to the difficulty of obtaining lethal injection drugs
The attorney is calling for an investigation, accusing officials of moving ahead with the lethal injection while federal appeals were still outstanding
Raheem Taylor long maintained that he was in California when his girlfriend and her three young children were killed in 2004
Kenneth Eugene Smith was scheduled to be put to death by lethal injection last year for a 1988 murder-for-hire slaying
If the bill passes as is, Florida would have “the most extreme death penalty statute in the country”
“I would like to apologize to Mark and the Nix family for taking him away from you. I hope this brings you closure,” inmate Wesley Ruiz said
The order means that it could be four more months until justices decide whether a newly organized firing squad or the electric chair are legal methods of execution
Executions will now be held at least 60 days apart rather than every 30 days in the state
“Arizona has a history of mismanaged executions that have resulted in serious questions and concerns about execution protocols,” Gov. Katie Hobbs said
The review found that the state hasn’t complied with lethal injection processes since 2018, resulting in executions being conducted without proper drug testing
The state’s latest attempt to end nearly 12 years without an execution is to pass a new shield law to protect the identities of drug providers