Ohio Taking Death Penalty Case To US Supreme Court

Published January 16, 2012 3:18AM (EST)

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio officials say the state is asking the U.S. Supreme Court for a ruling that Ohio's protocol for carrying out the death penalty is constitutional.

Gov. John Kasich and Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine said in a statement Sunday that the state will ask the high court to reverse a federal appeals court decision to delay the Wednesday execution of Charles Lorraine.

Lorraine was condemned to death in the 1986 slaying of a Trumbull County couple. But the federal appeals court agreed his execution should be delayed to review changes Ohio's made to carrying out the death penalty.

Lorraine argued that Ohio broke its promise to adhere strictly to its execution procedures. The state said any deviation to the protocol was minor and does not violate an inmate's rights.


By Salon Staff

MORE FROM Salon Staff


Related Topics ------------------------------------------