New Lethal Injection Method in Tennessee: Update after 2.5 Years
More than 2 years after Tennessee abruptly halted the execution of inmate Oscar Smith, the state has announced a new lethal injection method that could potentially resume executions. The Tennessee Department of Correction revealed that it has revised its protocol to utilize the single drug pentobarbital. However, the details of this new protocol were not immediately shared with the public.
The decision to update the lethal injection method comes after a tumultuous past involving botched executions and protocol violations by correction officials. The state put a halt to executions in May 2022 following revelations that required testing for the lethal injection drugs was not conducted. This lapse in compliance with the established process raised serious concerns about the state’s execution procedures.
Kelley Henry, chief of the federal public defender’s habeas unit representing many of Tennessee’s death row inmates, criticized the lack of transparency surrounding the new protocol. She highlighted the importance of clarity in execution procedures to ensure accountability and prevent further violations of inmates’ rights.
### Lawsuit Challenges Previous Protocol
The death row inmates in Tennessee have an ongoing lawsuit in federal court challenging the state’s previous lethal injection protocol, which employed three different drugs in series. The lawsuit was put on hold pending the state’s review of the procedure. The inmates have 90 days to assess the revised protocol and determine whether to challenge it further in court.
### Calls for Caution
Kelley Henry emphasized the need for caution in setting new execution dates while the lawsuit is ongoing. She pointed out that the U.S. Department of Justice is currently reviewing the use of pentobarbital in executions, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
The revisions to the lethal injection protocol mark a significant development in Tennessee’s capital punishment practices. The state’s commitment to ensuring compliance with established policies and laws will be closely monitored as it navigates the delicate balance between justice and ethics in carrying out executions.
