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The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
After initially refusing to do so, the Tennessee Department of Corrections (DOC) has released a new execution manual after Governor Bill Lee announced a moratorium on new inmate executions in 2022 while the state’s procedures for lethal injection went under review.
Lee initially ordered the review after reports arose that the chemicals used in lethal injections were not properly tested, potentially leaving the offender to feel pain but unable to react as the drugs worked their way through the body.
He then ordered a stay of all new state executions until an independent investigation could be conducted and revised execution policies presented.
Correction Commissioner Frank Strada reportedly worked closely with the Attorney General’s office to ensure the new protocols are “sound” and when announcing its completion said, “I am confident the lethal injection process can proceed in compliance with departmental policy and state laws.”
However, some are displeased with the new policies as they believe they are too vague and are questioning the decision by the DOC to release the document to the Associated Press (AP) after initial reluctance.
The department originally argued that keeping the document secret was necessary to protect certain sensitive information like the identity of the executioner, but then reversed course, giving no explanation for the change except that the state was, “reversing its decision.”
The new manual is only 44 pages long compared to the nearly 100-page 2018 version and has several redacted areas blacking out random titles and team names throughout.
It contains one page on the lethal injection drugs with no specific testing directions and calls for only a single drug protocol versus the three-drug method utilized previously. It also authorizes the state to deviate from the protocol whenever the COD commissioner deems it necessary but offers no clarification about which circumstances might warrant such deviation.
Kelley Henry, chief of the federal public defender’s habeas unit that represents many of Tennessee’s death row inmates, said in a statement to the AP that the manual, “fails to address the many concerns raised by the independent investigation,” and was, “notable for its lack of detail.”
She continued, “As of today, we still do not know the source of drugs, whether they are compounded, or whether they have been diverted from the market into a gray market, how they will be procured, stored, tested, and administered. This level of secrecy is inconsistent with the promises of transparency made by the Governor two years ago.”
Henry also believes that no new executions should be set while death row inmates still have an ongoing lawsuit in federal court against Tennessee’s previous lethal injection protocol.
The case was put on hold pending the state’s revisions of the procedure, and the plaintiffs are also allowed 90 days to examine the new protocol and amend their complaint to challenge it should they wish.
This new method could allow the state to resume state executions, though it is unlikely it will be an immediate change given the continued court hang-ups and pending litigation against the state from those on death row.
Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
