Alabama Resumes Use of Death Penalty After Botched Executions
Alabama has executed a man, James Barber, resuming its use of the death penalty after three botched killings last year. Barber was pronounced dead on Friday at 1.56am after receiving a lethal injection at a south Alabama prison.
The US Supreme Court denied a request for a stay, with the majority not commenting on the decision. However, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, one of the two liberals on the nine-judge panel, dissented and criticized the court for allowing Alabama to “experiment again with a human life.” Justice Jackson argued that the Eighth Amendment, which forbids cruel and unusual punishment, demands more than just the state’s word that this time will be different.
Last year, Alabama faced significant criticism after three executions by lethal injection were botched. The first death row inmate, Joe Nathan James Jr, took more than three hours to die, and two other executions were abandoned. Following an internal review, the state claimed to be ready to resume executions this year.
Barber, who was 64 when he died, was convicted of murdering 75-year-old Dorothy Epps with a hammer in 2001 while addicted to numerous substances. Epps’s granddaughter, Sarah Gregory, has spoken about how she forgave Barber and even formed a friendship with him. However, other members of her family did not share the same sentiment.
Before his execution, Barber expressed remorse and apologized to the Epps family, saying, “I want to tell the Epps family I love them. I’m sorry for what happened. No words would fit how I feel.” He also forgave Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and the people in the room for what they were about to do.
After his last words, Barber spoke with a spiritual adviser before the drugs were administered. Witnesses reported that his eyes closed, his abdomen pulsed several times, and his breathing slowed until it was no longer visible.
Alabama Corrections Commissioner John Hamm stated that Barber was given “three sticks in six minutes,” referring to the administration of the lethal drugs. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall declared that justice had been served, emphasizing the heinous and cruel nature of Barber’s crime.
However, human rights group Reprieve criticized the resumption of executions, stating that there is no humane method of execution and that it amounts to torture. They argued that the state should be ending executions instead of resuming them.
The resumption of the death penalty in Alabama has reignited the debate surrounding capital punishment and its effectiveness as a deterrent. The controversy surrounding the botched executions last year has raised concerns about the state’s execution procedures and the potential for cruel and unusual punishment.
What are the arguments raised by advocates against the death penalty in light of the recent botched executions in Alabama
Result of complications with the lethal injection. The second inmate, Thomas Miller-El, experienced severe pain and convulsions during his execution, and the third inmate, David Latimer, was unable to access suitable veins for injection, leading to multiple failed attempts and a prolonged and painful process.
These botched executions led to a temporary halt in Alabama’s use of the death penalty as an investigation was conducted into the state’s execution protocols. After implementing certain changes and improvements, Alabama has now resumed executions, with James Barber being the first to face the death penalty since the incidents.
Barber’s execution proceeded without any complications, with him being pronounced dead shortly after receiving the lethal injection. However, this decision to resume executions has sparked criticism and debate. Justice Jackson’s dissent raises concerns about the sanctity of human life and questions the state’s assurances that future executions will be carried out in a manner that upholds the Eighth Amendment.
The Eighth Amendment, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment, places a significant responsibility on the state to ensure that executions are conducted in a humane and dignified manner. However, the previous botched executions highlight the challenges and risks associated with lethal injections, and it is essential for Alabama and other states that employ the death penalty to prioritize improving execution protocols and ensuring that they meet constitutional standards.
Advocates against the death penalty argue that these recent botched executions in Alabama further demonstrate the inherent flaws and irreversibility of capital punishment. They believe that the risk of executing innocent individuals and subjecting others to unnecessary suffering outweigh any potential benefits of the death penalty.
On the other hand, proponents argue that the death penalty is a necessary tool for justice, particularly in cases involving heinous crimes. They believe that when implemented appropriately, capital punishment serves as a deterrent and offers closure to victims’ families.
The decision to resume executions in Alabama after the troubling incidents of last year highlights the ongoing ethical and legal debates surrounding the death penalty. As other states grapple with similar challenges, it is crucial for authorities to address concerns, improve execution protocols, and have transparent and fair processes in place to uphold the values enshrined in the Constitution.
It’s disheartening to see Alabama resuming the use of the death penalty, as it perpetuates a flawed and irreversible system. The execution of James Barber raises questions about the true purpose of punishment and the need for rehabilitation in our criminal justice system. Is this really the path we want to continue on?