Wasn't this high profile enough for Jesse to be there?
Posted on 01/24/2006 5:21:09 PM PST by doug from upland
Update 5: High Court Steps In, Blocks Fla. Execution By GINA HOLLAND , 01.24.2006, 07:56 PM
Florida death row inmate Clarence Hill won a last-minute Supreme Court stay Tuesday night about an hour after he was scheduled to be executed for killing a police officer.
It was not clear if the court's intervention would only briefly delay Hill's execution, which had been scheduled for 6 p.m. EST, to give justices additional time to review three separate stay requests.
Witnesses had gathered at the Florida State Prison for the execution, which was put off for more than an hour before word came from the court.
The witnesses were sent home after Justice Anthony M. Kennedy filed paperwork that said Hill's death sentence would "be stayed pending further order" of the justices.
"The court will not rule until tomorrow," said Robby Cunningham, spokesman for the Florida Department of Corrections.
Earlier, Hill had lost appeals at the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta. He was scheduled to die for the Oct. 19, 1982, slaying of a Pensacola police officer and the wounding of his partner.
Hill was to be the 61st inmate executed in Florida since 1976, when executions resumed after a 12-year moratorium, and the 257th since 1924, when the state took that duty from individual counties.
Hill first asked the court for a stay last week. In one of his appeals, Hill asked for a delay to give him time to contest the chemicals that will be used. Kennedy cited that case in granting the stay.
Hill's lawyers argue that the three chemicals used in Florida's lethal injection method of execution cause pain, making his execution cruel and unusual punishment. He also contends that he is mentally retarded.
Anita Hill-Clarence Thomas love child?
Let him laugh his way to oblivion.
Let me guess....he's allergic to one of them.
Very unusual. I hope that it is not cruel in extending false hope.
Maybe the liberals could select some doctor-assisted suicide formula that they have deemed humane and constitutional.
When talking about laws the media doesn't like the refer to valid clauses as "loopholes". How come they never refer to anything like this as legal trickery? The guy isn't basing his appeal on innocence, just on the idea that it's not fair to execute him.
Frak him. Having a midget beat you to death with a toaster is cruel and unusual. Putting you to sleep and stopping your heart is perfectly on par with the nature of the punishment.
What wrong with this picture? This isn't a "last minute reprieve" it's a 60 minute late decision!
If it didn't come down until after the scheduled time, why wasn't it a note back to the court with a "We're sorry, it seems the person you are trying to reach is dead" message?
after all the other last minute death penalty cases they refused to consider, why block this one, why now?
That's my concern too: what made this one different.
(Other than Kennedy wanting to stop the execution, that is.)
when was the last execution in Florida?
"Having a midget beat you to death with a toaster is cruel and unusual..."
Two questions: Where do they do this? Do they sell tickets to watch?
Sounds like a good idea maybe George Felos could head a commission down there.
Nowhere. It's cruel and unusual... which is why it's banned.
It wouldn't have to be in the US - I'd get a passport if necessary...
Contest the chemicals that will be used.????
Is he afraid he is allergic to them?
Probably because this is in a state where Kennedy handles such appears. Ones from places like Texas are reviewed by Justice Scalia.
Wasn't this high profile enough for Jesse to be there?
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