Proposed Execution Protocol Gets Hearing in Frankfort

The Kentucky Justice Cabinet heard today from critics of the state’s proposed new death penalty method.

They’re asking officials to make multiple changes to how executions are carried out, now that the state is switching to a one-or-two drug lethal injection.

Public defenders, private attorneys and anti-death penalty activists said during a hearing in Frankfort that the rules Kentucky wants to put into place have multiple problems.  One would not allow condemned inmates to have access to their lawyers on the day of execution.

The state has been formulating a new death penalty method since a judge invalidated the three-drug lethal injection process earlier this year. 

Officials say they could ask a judge by early next year to lift an injunction barring executions and for approval of the new method.