Lincoln Memorial University Law Review Archive
First & Last Page
69-88
Abstract
Since its adoption as the primary means of execution in the United States, lethal injections have exasperated issues of cruel and unusual punishment. Despite having the best public sentiment, lethal injection protocols are plagued with serious ethical concerns. The government’s attempt to humanize the death penalty resulted in medical abuse and botched executions. This Note explores such malign lethal injection protocols, the remedial efforts made to address such protocols, and whether the legal injection system can exist without harm. The reformation of lethal injection protocols is a societal responsibility. Americans must decide how comfortable society should be with the inconsistency and potential harm of lethal injections. This Note addresses this schism and illustrates how lethal injection protocols and a harmless death are mutually exclusive.
Recommended Citation
Willow V. Skyhawk,
Lethal Injections: Protocol Plagued with Secrecy and Flaws Ushering in the New Era of Botched Executions,
11
Lincoln Mem’l U. L. Rev.
(2023).
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.lmunet.edu/lmulrev/vol11/iss1/3
