LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) – Testimony has concluded in a federal trial in Little
Rock over Arkansas’ use of a sedative in lethal injections.
In their closing arguments, lawyers challenging the state’s use of the drug
midazolam reiterated the sedative doesn’t provide enough anesthesia to render a
patient unable to feel pain.
But the state called that “pure, rank, speculation,” and argued that the
sedative is sufficient and has been in dozens of executions around the country.
Executions have been on hold in Arkansas because of a lack of lethal injection
drugs.
U.S. District Judge Kristine Baker will begin considering both sides’
arguments soon and will eventually issue a written order in the case.
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