Sign In
Free Newsletter
Supreme Court blocks execution of intellectually disabled inmate
The Supreme Court upheld a judicial finding that Alabama inmate Joseph Clifton Smith is intellectually disabled, barring his execution under the Eighth Amendment.
US adding firing squads, electrocution, gassing to federal execution methods
President Donald Trump's administration plans to add firing squads, electrocution and gas asphyxiation as alternative methods of executing people convicted of the gravest federal crimes.
Trump’s death penalty push faces setbacks as judges block attempts to reverse prior decisions
Trump’s DOJ faces setbacks in reviving federal death penalty cases, as judges block reversals of Biden-era decisions in key prosecutions.
Why executions by firing squad may be coming back
The image of gunmen in a row firing in unison at a condemned prisoner may conjure up a bygone era. But the idea of using firing squads is making a comeback.
Virginia recorded 30 executions, says audio tapes should remain secret
The Virginia Department of Corrections has recorded audio of at least 30 executions over the last three decades, but it has no plans to release the tapes publicly.
Alabama seeks new method of execution
Today is Monday, the 95th anniversary of the Broadway premiere of “My Maryland.” Here are some other news items. — Alabama moves toward new method of execution — nitrogen hypoxia. […]
Supreme Court: States must allow prayer, touch in executions
The Supreme Court said states must accommodate the wishes of death row inmates who want to have their pastors pray aloud and even touch them during their executions.
Supreme Court skeptical of Texas death row inmate prayer demand
The Supreme Court is to hear arguments in a case about whether Texas must allow a chaplain to pray audibly and touch a prisoner during an execution.
Federal executions halted; Garland orders protocols reviewed
The Justice Department is halting federal executions after a historic use of capital punishment by the Trump administration, which carried out 13 executions in six months.
Legal basis for US killing of Iran general depends on threat, experts say
WASHINGTON — Did President Donald Trump have the legal authority to order the killing of a top Iranian general in Iraq? The short answer: Probably. But it depends on facts […]
US government will execute inmates for first time since 2003
WASHINGTON — The U.S. government will execute federal death row inmates for the first time since 2003, the Justice Department announced Thursday, bringing back a seldom-used punishment pushed by President […]
Supreme Court rejects challenge to military death penalty
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court won’t hear a challenge to the death penalty for members of the military. The justices on Monday rejected an appeal from the former soldier who […]
