Nebraska opts for a less barbaric method of barbarism

[marmar]

Nebraska's governor signs lethal injection bill
By JOSH FUNK – 5 hours ago


LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman signed a bill Thursday to change the state's method of execution from electrocution to lethal injection, although observers said it could be years before the law is applied.

Nebraska was the only state with electrocution as its sole means of execution. It had been without a means of execution since February 2008, when the state Supreme Court ruled the electric chair was unconstitutional because it amounted to cruel and unusual punishment.

Before signing the bill, Heineman noted there was "broad support for the death penalty in our state."

But the bill drew opposition from state Sens. Brenda Council and Danielle Nantkes in earlier debate. There was no debate Thursday before final approval in keeping with the practice of the state Legislature.

Nantkes predicted "significant litigation" to come, adding that she didn't think the bill did enough to spell out how executions would be performed and who would carry them out.

Senators who had opposed the measure also said it was likely to lead to more appeals for the 11 men currently on death row. The state's last execution was in 1997. ........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j7PhOuxL63zhbZIMNTa5urTPgcKQD98FFAHO0