Federal judge halts Missouri executions

[deadparrot]

ST. LOUIS - A federal judge on Monday halted executions in Missouri until the state makes sweeping changes to ensure that inmates do not suffer excruciating pain when they are put to death.

U.S. District Judge Fernando Gaitan Jr. cited "numerous problems" with the state's lethal injections, including a lack of a written protocol setting drug levels and a dyslexic doctor who is in charge of mixing the three drugs used.

Gaitan said the state's practices subject condemned inmates to an unnecessary risk of unconstitutional pain and suffering. Ruling in the case of condemned inmate Michael Taylor, he gave the Department of Corrections until July 15 to come up with a new protocol, and said no executions can occur until he approves it.

Missouri Corrections Director Larry Crawford said in a hearing before Gaitan two weeks ago that he would clarify the execution protocol. He testified after learning that the surgeon who is the sole person in charge of mixing the drugs had prepared a lower-than-expected dose of anesthesia for the last several inmates who were put to death.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060627/ap_on_re_us/missouri_executions

[Roy]

1. dyslexic doctor? Is that a synonym for republican phsician? N/T

[saigon68]

2. That's Dr Frist

TV diagnoser of the brain dead

And general Fundamentalist, Nut-Job, Steaming Pant load

[ConcernedCanuk]

3. Death Penalty is unwarranted in this day and age - even for Bush

.
.
.

Too many people have been wrongfully incarcerated and executed -

Our DNA investigative capabilities have made that quite clear.

And for those that are REALLY guilty, they do not deserve a quick escape from their peers,

Many others are "recoverable" and can once again contribute to mankind

and the "worst" ones can at least be studied (humanely) as to why they went on whatever rampage they went on

and prevent further carnage and misery to their fellow man

Just my Canuk Musings . . . .