Federal judge allows open phone line during Ohio execution

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press


Updated 7:46 am CDT, Saturday, July 14, 2018



COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A federal judge is allowing the use of an open phone line to his courtroom during an Ohio execution scheduled for next week.

The decision by Judge Michael Merz again permits a system created last year when defense attorneys tried unsuccessfully to stop an execution based on the inmate's reaction to the lethal drugs.

Under the order, attorneys for death row inmate Robert Van Hook and an assistant attorney general will be on the line with the judge in case something goes awry.

The 58-year-old Van Hook is set to die Wednesday for the strangling and stabbing death of David Self in Cincinnati in 1985. His attorneys fought his execution, citing his childhood physical, mental and sexual abuse, but he is now out of appeals.

Read more: https://www.chron.com/news/us/article/Federal-judge-allows-open-phone-line-during-Ohio-13074891.php

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(Short article, no more at link.)

[GaryCnf]

1. This all stems from the use of midazolam

Roughly 7 out of 10 executions using midazolam in place of an anesthetic or barbiturate before paralyzing inmates so they suffocate motionless-ly until they are given a massive heart attack has resulted in the inmate gasping for breath, shaking, clenching their fists, opening their eyes, or tearing as the paralytic comes on board.

Midazolam used alone is incapable of anesthetizing anyone and its sedative properties can't withstand the pain of the second two drugs.

But expect a big "meh" here. Capital punishment isn't a big issue for, or is actually supported by, progressives who get things done.

Btw, I appreciate the way you keep posting news about the death penalty. You are a voice crying in the wilderness.

Thank you.

[Jake Stern]

2. Don't understand how anybody who calls themselves Progressive

can support the death penalty.

It's a barbaric throwback to primitive man and has no place in a modern, civilized society.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

3. "Capital punishment isn't a big issue ..." You're right.

It's certainly no litmus test for candidates. Candidates don't debate their position on the topic.

On DU, I'd put it way below the top-tier issues like abortion rights, health care, education, Supreme Court nominations. It's even below lesser issues like gun-control, military spending, infrastructure.

I am against the death penalty, period. That said, there are hotter issues, so let me chime in with, "meh".