11/25/2013 // West Palm Beach, Florida, US // JusticeNewsFlash // Justice News Flash // (press release)
Florida – A Florida judge has upheld the use of a new execution drug. As reported by the Associated Press (AP), Circuit Judge Phyllis Rosier signed off on the use of the sedative midazolam hydrochloride in executions in the state, ruling it does prevent pain in the process of lethal injection.
The ruling came after a two-day evidentiary hearing was held as ordered by the Florida Supreme Court. The execution of Askari Abdullah Muhammad, formerly known as Thomas Knight, had been delayed by the court following a challenge by his attorneys regarding the new drug’s use.
The challenge asserted that the combination of drugs used to administer lethal injections constituted cruel and unusual punishment. Rosier stated in her ruling that “no credible evidence” had been presented during the hearing to prove the new drug caused suffering or serious harm when administered in correct doses.
This report is provided by Justice News Flash – Florida Legal News
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