Since a botched execution in Oklahoma earlier this year, controversy has surrounded the composition and source of drugs used in lethal injections. As a federal appeals attorney explains, the U.S. Supreme Court has just rejected a Texas inmate’s bid to halt his execution.
The Basis for the Appeal
Convicted murder Robert James Campbell sits on death row for the rape and murder of a 21-year-old bank teller. Campbell’s lawyers sought a stay of his execution in the wake of a botched Oklahoma execution by lethal injection. Arguments have been made that the inmates deserve to know the source and composition of the drugs used in lethal injections to protect their Constitutional rights against cruel and unusual punishment. The state of Texas has refused to disclose this information sighting secrecy grounds.
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A Texas Federal Appeals Attorney Explains the Reasoning Behind Non-Disclosure of Drug Information
The Texas attorney general has argued that drug suppliers have faced serious threats from groups opposed to the death penalty. Some drug companies have even refused to continue supplying them as a result. The U.S. Supreme has now come down in support of the attorney general’s position. The Court found that the state has a compelling interest in keeping that information secret. As a result, Campbell’s execution can go forward.
How the Drug Secrecy Claim Was Used in Relation to the Oklahoma Botched Execution
As a Texas appeal lawyer can counsel, two major developments will spell doom for inmates requesting stays of execution on the drug secrecy grounds. First, the Court has specifically rejected the argument. In addition, it has also been found that the Oklahoma inmate’s bad outcome was caused by collapsed veins, not the drug itself.
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If you or a loved one face criminal prosecution, you need a Texas federal appeals attorney who can help you understand your best legal options. Call Brownstone Law at 855.776.2773 to schedule an appointment for an initial consultation.
