The Execution of Harris

I disagree with your April 22 editorial (“Making a Circus Out of Justice”) that blames the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals for causing Harris to suffer cruel and unusual punishment during the morning hours of April 21. The courageous efforts on the part of the 9th Circuit judges, particularly Circuit Judge Harry Pregerson, who ordered the last stay of execution, ought to be applauded and not criticized. Even though what resulted could be considered a judicial circus, it is the state that committed the ultimate cruelty--killing Harris by gas.

Harris’ lawyers and the 9th Circuit were obligated legally, if not ethically, to pull out all the stops. We opponents of the death penalty should only hope that such aggressive efforts are used by the lawyers and the judiciary when the other 330 prisoners on Death Row each take their last breath before execution.

CINDY ZEDALIS

Los Angeles