Oklahoma AG says execution protocol "sucessful"

SCOTUS grants review to inmates; OK AG’s Office to defend protocol

OKLAHOMA CITY – The United States Supreme Court has granted a request to hear arguments by three death row inmates challenging the constitutionality of Oklahoma’s execution protocol.

“Oklahoma’s execution protocol has been affirmed as constitutional by two federal courts and has successfully been implemented in Oklahoma, as well as more than 10 similar executions in Florida. We will continue to defend the constitutionality of this protocol in order to preserve DOC’s ability to proceed with the sentences that were given to each inmate by a jury of their peers.

“As we prepare to litigate this case in front of the Supreme Court, we must not forget the victims and their families, who have waited a combined 48 years for justice,” Attorney General Pruitt said.

In order to grant a writ of certiorari, at least four of nine justices from the Supreme Court must agree to review the petition. Oral arguments are currently scheduled before the Court for April 29, 2015. There are currently no requests for stays of execution pending with the Court.

Published - The Gayly 8:30pm on 1/23/2015