The state of Oklahoma put James Coddington to death on Aug. 25, 2022, for the 1997 murder of a 73-year-old friend who refused to give him money to buy drugs.

It marks the beginning of a busy period at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary’s execution chamber. Last month, the state announced plans to carry out the death sentence of 25 people over the next couple of years.

Austin Sarat, professor of jurisprudence and political science, Amherst College. Courtesy photo Austin Sarat, professor of jurisprudence and political science, Amherst College. Courtesy photo