The process of executing a death row inmate is highly monitored. Everything is designed humanly and according to the law. While it might seem easy, there are instances where inmates may resist the execution process. In this post, you will be able to explore what happens if a death row inmate resists during their execution.
The Execution Protocol
Before finding out what happens when an inmate resists during an execution, it is better for you to understand the general protocol for carrying out a death sentence. According to the Death Penalty Information Center or DPIC, there are several forms of execution in the United States, including hanging, electrocution, the game chamber, firing squad, and lethal injection. The details are as follows:
- Lethal injection: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North California, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Wyoming
- Electrocution: Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee
- Lethal gas: Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Wyoming
- Hanging: New Hampshire
- Firing squad: Mississippi, Oklahoma, Utah, South Carolina, Idaho
Among them, lethal injection is the most preferred in a lot of states in the United States, especially in this modern era. This kind of method usually involves administering a series of drugs to the inmate, leading to unconsciousness, paralysis, and ultimately cardiac arrest. The execution is usually done by a team that consists of trained professionals, including medical personnel and corrections officers.
While lethal injection is the most common method of execution in the United States, however, other methods are allowed in some states if lethal injection cannot be performed due to the resistance by drug manufacturers to provide the drugs used in lethal injections. Because there are controversies that surround the method used during execution, the process of execution has been delayed in many states, resulting in the decrease in use of the death penalty in general.
Resisting the Execution
If an inmate who has been sentenced death penalty resists the execution process, there are some possibilities that may happen, including:
1. Use of force
In some cases, violence may be used if a death row inmate refuses the execution. For those who are wondering about the level of force used, it will depend on the certain situation and the policies of the prison or jurisdiction.
2. Delay or rescheduling
If a death row inmate resists the execution process, it is possible to be temporarily delayed or rescheduled. If it is temporarily delayed or rescheduled, the authorities will address the situation, make necessary adjustments, and ensure that the process of execution will follow the protocols.
3. Sedation or restrains
Sometimes, sedation or restraints may be used to ensure that the inmate follows the rules during the execution. Apparently, sedation can calm the inmate. As for the restraints, they can be used to physically paralyze the inmate during the procedure.
4. Legal challenges
The legal team of the inmate may tell the authorities that they are against the execution because they believe that the execution is a cruel and unusual punishment. In order to review the situation and to determine whether the execution can proceed, courts may intervene.
5. Lethal injection challenges
If lethal injection is used as the method of execution and the inmate resists it, it may be hard to find a suitable vein for administering the drugs. Due to this, the execution process may be delayed.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the execution of a death row inmate is a procedure that is heavily regulated. If a death row inmate resists during the execution, there are protocols that can be used to manage and resolve such situations. These protocols are established by correctional authorities and the legal system. The approach to handle resistance during executions may vary, depending on the jurisdiction. However, the main goal is the same, which is to ensure a lawful process.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
