Reprieve for Inmate in Execution-Drug Suit
From Times Wire Reports
The U.S. Supreme Court halted the execution of a condemned inmate who was part of a lawsuit challenging one of the drugs used in the procedure.
Justice Antonin Scalia granted the reprieve about 20 minutes before the scheduled execution in Huntsville of Kevin Lee Zimmerman, pending an additional order from him or the court.
Citing the constitutional protection against cruel and unusual punishment, the lawsuit sought to stop use of pancuronium bromide -- a drug that paralyzes muscles.
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