Supreme Court blocks three Oklahoma executions

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

(Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court agreed on Wednesday to temporarily block the execution of three Oklahoma inmates who are challenging the state’s lethal injection procedure.

The court’s action means that convicted killers Richard Glossip, John Grant and Benjamin Cole will not be put to death using the sedative which they object to before the Supreme Court decides whether the procedure violates the U.S. Constitution’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment.

The court's brief order leaves open the possibility the state could proceed with the executions using different drug combinations.

Last week, the high court agreed to hear the case, but did not block the inmates' death sentences at that time. Oral arguments before the high court are set for April, with a decision due by the end of June.

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Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/28/us-usa-court-execution-idUSKBN0L12FH20150128

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BY LAWRENCE HURLEY
WASHINGTON Wed Jan 28, 2015 4:50pm EST

[slumcamper]

1. End the Death Penalty.

What a grotesque, antiquated and barbarian response to individual acts of high crime. This routine practice is little more than a convenient dispensation of vengeance that obstructs a deeper national introspection and debate over the social, psychological and economic problems or factors that compel individuals to commit such crimes, e.g., poverty, greed, jealousy, hatred, bigotry, etc. Passive acceptance of the extermination of disturbed and distraught people is no substitute for a robust cultural dialogue on these values. It's time to get busy.

And lest we forget--how ironic that so-called "Christian conservatives" stood and applauded Rick Perry's gloating in having put so many to death. A good portion of this country is very disturbed and sick-minded.

Finally, as the far-right out-organizes us and overtakes local, state and national government, we continue to flippantly disregard them as wackos and wing nuts. We may joke, rain sarcasm, or shake our heads in disbelief at the Michelle Bachmanns, Steve Kings, Ted Cruzs, Louie Gohmerts, and Joni Ernsts, but this is serious stuff, folks. As we laugh they are shaping our public policy at all levels.

It's time for us to get serious and save our country from becoming Redneckistan.

[davidpdx]

2. +1

Couldn't have said it better myself.