Arizona governor must appear in court on pause of executions

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Independent/Associated Press


Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs must appear in court Thursday in her effort to halt pending executions because of questions about the rights of death row prisoners

Via AP news wire
1 hour ago

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs has been ordered to appear in court Thursday in her efforts to halt pending executions because of questions about the rights of death row prisoners.

Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Frank Moskowitz said late Friday that Hobbs and Ryan Thornell, the state's prison director, must show up to explain why the court shouldn't issue an order against them on the grounds they are violating the constitutional rights of victims entitled to prompt justice.

The afternoon court appearance is scheduled the same day convicted murderer Aaron Gunches had been set to die. The Arizona Supreme Court in recent days concluded state law didn't require Hobbs to proceed with the planned execution, even though it wasn't officially called off.

. . .

At the same time, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel H. Mitchell has asked the court to extend the execution warrant for Gunches by 25 days.

Read more: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/arizona-ap-phoenix-maricopa-county-mesa-b2312460.html

[cstanleytech]

1. Bit confused but I thought that the right was for a speedy trial for the accused and

not one for the victims to get speedy justice?

[jimfields33]

2. I think some may want to die. Jeffery dahmer did and didn't appeal.

Perhaps some want the same. I’m inclined to go with prisoners wishes since they were the ones sentenced.

[dsc]

3. It is hard to understand from this article what is going on here

If the Arizona Supreme court said she can hold off, I fail to see why this judge can order her not to hold off on the execution.

[grantcart]

8. It's an odd case

The AZ SC has already cleared this particular case for execution.

Hobbs isn't trying to put up a stay on this case or commute the punishment, nor is she voicing opposition to executions in general.

She asserts that her office needs to review the protocols and methods of execution to ensure that they are constitutional.

Guessing that the AZ SC will tell her to pick a method and don't worry about the constitutionality until she gets a notice from them.

[Coventina]

4. Always and forever against the DP.

Stay strong Katie!!!

[MichMan]

5. Why doesn't she just commute all their sentences to time served?

[Jose Garcia]

6. Perhaps she thinks that would affect her reelection chances

[elleng]

7. 'the constitutional rights of victims entitled to prompt justice.'

[Grins]

9. They don't want justice (which is what they got)...

…they want revenge.