Supreme Court Allows Challenges to Lethal Injections

In a pair of opinions written by Justice Anthony Kennedy and highlighting his pivotal role on the new Roberts Court, the high court on Monday kept alive the appeals of death row inmates in two states. Although one of the decisions was not a ruling for or against lethal injections, it may hasten the day when the Supreme Court will consider claims that the drug combination used in the injections can cause excruciating pain, violating the Eighth Amendment bar against "cruel and unusual punishments."

This article requires premium access

This article requires premium access to Law.com. Please sign in or subscribe to read the full text.