Executions Halted Indefinitely in California

California's lethal injection procedures are``broken'' and risk violating the constitutional ban on cruel and unusual punishment, U.S. District Judge Jeremy Fogel ruled. In his 17-page decision, Fogel urged Governor Schwarzanagger to immediately address "significant problems" with the state's lethal injection procedures before executions can resume on the nation's largest death row.

In the order, Judge Fogel cites a lack of screening and improper training of executioners, unreliable record-keeping, improper handling and admininistration of sodium thiopental, and a poorly designed execution chamber.

Fogel's decision stems from a challenge by convicted rapist and murderer, Michael Morales, that California's lethal injection protocol violates the constitutional ban on cruel and unusual punishment.

The lives of Michael Morales, and all other death row inmates will now be spared until these flaws are "fixed."

Fogel's decision came as Florida Gov. Jeb Bush suspended all executions in that state, atfer the botched killing of Angel Diaz earlier this week.


Past coverage:
http://indybay.org/newsitems/2006/09/28/18315382.php
http://indybay.org/newsitems/2006/10/02/18317443.php