Deborah Denno quoted in an Oklahoma Watch story about the U.S. Supreme Court’s consideration of the methods states use to execute criminals in Glossip v. Gross, as well as the larger challenges correctional departments are having in obtaining lethal injection drugs in light of a global boycott and increasing public scrutiny of capital punishment.
Deborah Denno, a Fordham University law professor specializing in death penalty issues, said the court’s decision in Glossip could provide some needed clarity after years of “pandemonium” following a 2008 ruling by the court.
Although it’s difficult to predict how such complex cases will be decided, Denno said those on all sides of the issue hope for a clearer standard than the current one.
In the Baze v. Rees decision, the high court ruled that any state using a protocol that is substantially similar to the one used in Kentucky was acceptable.
“The petitioners are now saying it is not substantially similar, so Baze doesn’t apply. I consider that a pretty important discussion,” Denno said.
“I am anticipating a court that is much more aware of these drugs, much more aware of the lethal injection process.”
Read the entire Oklahoma Watch article.