WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The majority of justices said lethal injection remains the most humane method of execution, USA Today reported.
In the 5 to 4 ruling the justices dismissed the case filed in June 2014 by four death row inmates, who protested against the use of the midazolam drug during executions because it creates a sensation of burning.
On April 29, US Justice Samuel Alito said the case was part of a “guerilla war” against the death penalty in the Unites States. On April 29, 2014, US state of Oklahoma inmate Clayton Lockett died of a heart attack 43 minutes after he was administered the three-drug combination, including the midazolam. The injection left him writhing and clenching his teeth on the gurney.
The incident with the botched lethal injection caused a nationwide debate over the lawfulness of the three-drug practice.
