Capitol punishment is a controversial topic in America. We’re one of the only first world nations on earth that still allows it extreme circumstances. Many conservatives are very much for the death penalty, and they have good reason. However, there are good arguments against it, it’s just that those opposed to the practice rarely make them.
Giving the State the power to render a death sentence on anyone is what should make conservatives uneasy. Considering the rampant corruption, poor leadership, and outright targeting of certain groups by the government, it makes it very hard to trust that the government won’t abuse such power, as it does with all of its others. That’s not to say the practice should be ended, it’s just something we should all consider when formulating our beliefs.
As it stands, it seems that the death penalty is slowly on its way out. However, there are still many states that practice a least one form of execution. The latest case of execution is happening in Ohio, where a death row inmate has made an unusual request, one that will challenge the state’s laws concerning the practice and raise all sorts of moral questions.
As reported at the New York Post, Alva Campbell, a criminal scheduled for lethal injection this month, has asked officials to let him die by a firing squad instead. The inmate says that because of his breathing problems and poor veins he’s too ill for lethal injection.
The ball is now in Ohio lawmakers’ court, as they do have the power to approve of the request via a change in legislation. If they do act, it would be the first time in the state’s history that the firing squad would be used as an alternative execution method.
Campbell’s attorneys are arguing that it would be a more humane method, seeing how last month a nurse was unable to find veins suitable for inserting an IV in either of his arms. Campbell is also claiming he’s allergic to the first of the three drugs used in the lethal injection cocktail.
“Death by firing squad is a “known, feasible, readily implemented and available alternative execution method and procedure” that substantially reduces the risk that Campbell would suffer serious harm by injection, his lawyers said.
Federal Judge Michael Merz rejected the argument for a firing squad execution on Tuesday, saying that Campbell didn’t provide any evidence supporting the change in method. The judge also questioned if the legislature should pass a law allowing the alternative. It’s thanks to failed presidential candidate and former Ohio Governor John Kasich that the firing squad is no longer a method of execution for the state.
As it stands, Campbell’s attorneys are deciding whether to appeal the decision. While “surgeries should be pain-free, there is no constitutional requirement that executions be painless,” Merz said in last week’s ruling.
Now it’s up to the lawmakers to decide how Campbell will meet his end.
Source: New York Post