Execution

Federal Judge Rejects Alabama Inmate’s Plea to Alter Nitrogen Gas Execution Protocol

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Montgomery, Alabama—A federal judge on Friday declined a request by an Alabama death row inmate for a preliminary injunction to change the method of his upcoming execution, set to occur later this week using nitrogen gas. The decision was made amid contentious debates over the constitutionality of execution methods. The inmate, Demetrius Frazier, faces execution for the 1991 crimes of rape and murder of Pauline Brown. U.S. District Court Judge Emily C. Marks determined that Frazier did not successfully demonstrate the substantial legal standards required to justify a preliminary injunction against the state’s planned method. … Read more

Former Federal Judge Contests Arizona’s Execution Methods Amid Resumption Concerns

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PHOENIX — Controversy surrounds the appointment and abrupt dismissal of retired federal magistrate Judge David Duncan by Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs regarding a review of the state’s lethal injection protocols. Duncan, who had barely commenced his evaluation of the death penalty processes, expressed significant concerns about the transparency and management of lethal injection drugs before his termination. Duncan disclosed in an interview that he was tasked with enhancing transparency within the execution protocol review. However, his efforts were cut short as the governor halted the production of his report just before its scheduled release. He … Read more

Federal Judge Clears Way for Alabama’s Fourth Execution Using Controversial Nitrogen Gas Method Despite Claims of Cruelty

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A federal judge in Alabama has ruled against halting the use of nitrogen gas in executions, allowing the state to proceed with what would be its fourth such execution. The decision comes despite challenges from condemned inmate Demetrius Frazier, who argued that the method inflicts psychological pain and constitutes cruel and unusual punishment. Chief District Judge Emily C. Marks determined on Friday that Frazier did not meet the stringent legal requirements necessary for a preliminary injunction. Frazier had requested the court to either prohibit the state from using nitrogen gas or to … Read more

Retired Judge Steps Down from High-Profile Execution Case Amid Questions of Impartiality

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On Nov. 25, retired state district judge Deborah Oakes Evans decided to recuse herself from a notable legal case involving death row inmate Robert Roberson III, whose execution she had previously authorized. The decision, filed with the court, comes amid ongoing legal proceedings attracting widespread attention, both nationally and internationally. Robert Roberson was convicted in 2003 of capital murder, accused of causing the death of his 2-year-old daughter, Nikki, by shaking her—a case commonly cited as involving “shaken baby syndrome.” At 58, Roberson has maintained his innocence for over two decades, arguing along with his … Read more