Lethal injection gained popularity in the late 20th century as a form of execution intended to supplant other methods, notably electrocution, gas inhalation, hanging and firing squad, that were considered to be … See more

Conventional lethal injection protocol
Typically, three drugs are used in lethal injection. Pancuronium bromide (Pavulon) is used to cause muscle paralysis and respiratory arrest, potassium chloride to stop the heart, and midazolam for sedation.
Pancuronium … See more

In 2006, the Supreme Court ruled in Hill v. McDonough that death-row inmates in the United States could challenge the constitutionality of states' lethal injection procedures through … See more

Opposition
Opponents of lethal injection have voiced concerns that abuse, misuse and even criminal conduct is possible when there is not a proper chain … See more

Procedure in the United States
In the United States, the typical lethal injection begins with the condemned person being strapped onto a gurney; two intravenous cannulas ("IVs") are then inserted, one in each arm. Only one is necessary to carry … See more

Lethal injection has also been used in cases of euthanasia to facilitate voluntary death in patients with terminal or chronically painful … See more

The American Medical Association (AMA) believes that a physician's opinion on capital punishment is a personal decision. Since the AMA is … See more