US Supreme Court stays Alabama execution
Lawyer Blogs
[##_1L|1081018752.jpg|width="157" height="111" alt=""|_##]The US Supreme Court on Thursday issued an order staying the execution of a convicted rapist and murderer, as part of its decision to review the legality of lethal injections nationwide. The reprieve came hours before James Callahan, 61, was scheduled for execution at Alabama's Holman prison. Callahan was sentenced to death for the 1982 rape and murder of a Jacksonville State University student.
The Supreme Court's stay of execution followed its decision in September to hear a challenge to the constitutionality of the cocktail of chemicals used in lethal injections. The court began hearing arguments on this on January 7.
Local courts and state governments across the United States have put executions on hold while they await the Supreme Court decision, which is expected before the end of its term in July.
The review centers on the three-stage cocktail of drugs used in the injections -- the first chemical puts the prisoner to sleep, the second paralyzes the muscles and the third stops the heart.
If all goes to plan, the inmate quickly falls unconscious and dies within minutes. But if the first chemical is not administered properly, the two others become extremely painful, as shown by several botched executions.
Lawyers arguing against lethal injection say it violates the eighth amendment of the US constitution, which outlaws "cruel and unusual" punishment.
In December, New Jersey became the first US state in 40 years to abolish the death penalty. But opinion polls suggest that two-thirds of Americans continue to favor capital punishment, and more than 3,200 inmates remain on death row across the country.
Related listings
-
Ore. high court reaffirms smoker damages
Lawyer Blogs 02/01/2008The Oregon Supreme Court for a third time has allowed a $79.5 million punitive-damages judgment against Philip Morris, an award twice struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court, which suggested it was excessive.The award was for the family of Jesse Willia...
-
Supreme Court Hears Fla. Gaming Case
Lawyer Blogs 01/31/2008[##_1L|1195645848.jpg|width="131" height="91" alt=""|_##]Gov. Charlie Crist exceeded his powers and violated the Florida Constitution when he agreed with the Seminole Indian tribe to expand gambling in the state, an attorney for the Florida House tol...
-
Supreme Court opens door for toxic lawsuits
Lawyer Blogs 01/31/2008Overturning a long-standing precedent it had reaffirmed only last year, the Alabama Supreme Court has allowed a wrongful death lawsuit that a judge had barred on grounds that the plaintiff waited too long to file. The 5-4 decision handed down Friday ...
New York Commercial Litigation Law Firm - Woods Lonergan PLLC
Founded in 1993 by Managing Partner James F. Woods, Woods Lonergan PLLC has built a strong reputation as a resourceful and industrious firm that provides clients with clear, concise, and straightforward answers to their most challenging legal issues. Partner Lawrence R. Lonergan, who joined the firm in 2008, has been a friend and colleague to Mr. Woods for over 40 years and shares the same business philosophy. Woods Lonergan PLLC’s collective experience and expertise enables the firm to expeditiously and effectively analyze the increasing challenges clients face in an evolving business and legal world, in many instances, avoiding unnecessary time and expense to our clients. Our mission is simple: provide cutting-edge expertise and sound advice in select areas of the law for corporate and business clients. We thrive on providing each client with personalized attention, forceful representation, and a collaborative team effort that embraces collective knowledge.