Introduction
For decades, lethal injection has been the most widely used method of execution in the United States. The process involves administering a sequence of drugs that are intended to cause death quickly and painlessly. However, sometimes things don’t go as planned. In some cases, the prisoner survives the lethal injection, leaving many questions to be answered. In this article, we’ll explore the science behind lethal injection, look into real-life cases of lethal injection survivors, and examine the legal and ethical implications of surviving an execution method.
The Science Behind Lethal Injection and How it Works
Lethal injection consists of three drugs that are administered intravenously: sodium thiopental, pancuronium bromide, and potassium chloride. These drugs are administered in a specific order and dosage, with the intention of causing unconsciousness, respiratory arrest, and cardiac arrest.
Sodium thiopental is the first drug administered and is intended to render the prisoner unconscious. The second drug, pancuronium bromide, paralyzes the muscles and stops breathing. Finally, potassium chloride is administered to stop the prisoner’s heart.
This process of lethal injection is intended to be a quick and painless method of execution. However, complications can arise in administering the correct dosage, the correct drugs or executing the prisoner. If something goes wrong with the execution, it can cause the drugs to become less effective, and sometimes, even lead to the prisoner surviving the process.
Instances of Survival After Lethal Injection
There have been several instances of people surviving lethal injection. Some of these individuals had medical conditions that affected their ability to process the drugs, while others were given incorrect dosages or were the victims of human error in administering the drugs.
One notable case is that of Romell Broom. In 2009, Broom was scheduled to be executed by lethal injection in Ohio. During the procedure, technicians were unable to find a viable vein to administer the drugs. After several attempts to find a vein, the procedure was called off. Broom was left with puncture wounds and bruises on his arms, and eventually, the execution was postponed.
In another case, Angel Nieves Diaz was executed by lethal injection in Florida in 2006. It took over thirty minutes for Diaz to die, during which time he was observed moving his mouth and head. This case raised questions about the effectiveness of lethal injection and whether it was a cruel and inhumane method of execution.
The Legal and Ethical Implications of Surviving Lethal Injection
If an inmate survives lethal injection, it raises significant legal and ethical issues. The process of lethal injection is intended to be a one-way, painless ticket to death. If someone survives, it raises questions about whether the prisoner should be executed again. Furthermore, it presents ethical concerns over the humane treatment of the prisoner, cruel punishment, and potential violation of the prisoner’s rights.
There’s also the issue of double jeopardy. In most countries, including the United States, an individual cannot be tried twice for the same crime. If the prisoner survives the execution, does that exemption apply?
Medical Explanations of Lethal Injection Survival
To understand why individuals might survive lethal injection, it’s essential to understand the medical reasons behind it. The drugs used in lethal injection are incredibly potent, and any health complications could lead to a prisoner surviving the process. Also, inconsistent dosages, the wrong types of drugs, and inadequate executioner training have played a role in past lethal injection failures. As the practice becomes more and more controversial, it raises questions about the use of the death penalty in general.
Furthermore, if a prisoner were to survive lethal injection, they would likely suffer health complications resulting from the drugs’ effects, including seizures, cardiac arrest, and respiratory distress.
Controversies Surrounding Lethal Injection Survival
The controversies surrounding lethal injection and surviving it are significant. One of the most controversial issues is that of the victim’s family. If the prisoner survives lethal injection, it can prolong the victim’s family’s suffering and prevent the wounds from healing. Additionally, some suggest that lethal injection survivors should be given a second chance and not be subjected to further punishment.
There’s also the psychological toll on the victim’s family, who may feel that justice has not been served.
The controversy extends to the legal system as well. Several states have suspended the use of lethal injection due in part to the difficulties encountered in carrying out the procedures. It also raises questions about the fairness of the death penalty in general.
The History of Lethal Injection and Its Evolution
Lethal injection as a form of execution has a relatively short history. It was first used in the United States in 1977, and since then, it has become the most widely used method of execution. However, as we’ve seen, it’s not fault-proof.
Over the years, the process of lethal injection has evolved as states have sought to refine the procedures involved. Nevertheless, the controversy surrounding lethal injection remains, and opposition to the use of the death penalty continues to grow.
Alternatives to Lethal Injection
The controversies surrounding lethal injection and its reliability have led to discussions about alternative execution methods. Electrocution, gas chambers, and hanging have been used in the past, but these methods are largely considered inhumane and have led to public outrage.
One of the alternatives that is being widely discussed in recent years is death by nitrogen gas. This method of execution is intended to be painless, and nitrogen gas is plentiful and readily available.
Conclusion
Surviving lethal injection is a complex and controversial issue. The use of lethal injection as a method of execution is intended to be quick and painless, but the reality is far from that. Given the controversies surrounding it, it’s no surprise that states are beginning to seek out alternative methods of execution. Regardless of the method used, the issue of whether or not the use of the death penalty is morally and ethically justifiable remains.
