South Carolina has given the green light to firing-squad executions, a method codified into state law last year after a decade-long pause in carrying out death sentences because of the state’s inability to procure lethal injection drugs.
after a decade-long pause in carrying out death sentences because of the state’s inability to procure lethal injection drugs.
During South Carolina’s lengthy debate, Democratic state Sen. Dick Harpootlian — a prosecutor-turned-criminal defense lawyer — introduced the firing squad option. He argued that it presented "the least painful" execution method available. A hood will be placed over the head of the inmate, who will be given the opportunity to make a last statement.Courts denies Georgia death row inmate's request to face firing squad
The high court halted the scheduled executions of Brad Sigmon and Freddie Owens, writing that officials needed to put together a firing squad so that inmates could really choose between that or the electric chair. The state’s plans, the court wrote in an unanimous order, were on hold "due to the statutory right of inmates to elect the manner of their execution."
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