Opinion ID: 1697471
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Myclonic and Other Observable Movements

Text: The third error problem alleged by Schwab is testimony from various witnesses that prisoners demonstrated various involuntary movements during their executions, including spasms and convulsions, which allegedly demonstrates that the second drug used in the lethal injection process, pancuronium bromide, is either not being properly administered or is not acting as predicted. Again, this is not newly discovered evidence. In fact, this issue was at the heart of the investigation into the execution of Angel Diaz, who reportedly made movements and sounds after the point at which the sodium pentathol was supposed to have rendered him unconscious. The Governor's Commission on Administration of Lethal Injection and the Lightbourne trial court looked extensively into evidence concerning the execution of Diaz. The Commission found it could not reach a conclusion as to whether Diaz had suffered ( cited in Lightbourne at 330). The trial court found that, despite the fact that the subcutaneous TV delayed drug absorption rates, the high level of sodium pentathol rendered Diaz totally unconscious and insensate throughout the entire death process. Florida v. Lightbourne, in the Circuit Court for the Fifth Judicial Circuit, in and for Marion County, Case No. 1981-170 CF, Order dated September 10, 2007. The Florida Supreme Court, reviewing the Marion County evidence, stated, it is disputed whether or not Diaz suffered pain. Lightbourne at 345. Schwab cites to Dr. Dershwitz's testimony again Dr. Dershwitz indicated that the purpose of pancuronium bromide is to prevent involuntary physical movement. Therefore, Schwab concludes, the drug must not be administered properly, creating yet another error in the execution process. Schwab fails to note that Dr Dershwitz also testified that movement does not reflect pain and this does not reflect consciousness. (Exhibit B, p. 60). Schwab alleges only that the failure to properly administer this drug would result in a failure to prevent involuntary movements and hasten death, not that its administration or maladministration results in pain or a substantial risk of pain. He does not allege how the Florida protocol for the use of this drug is not substantially similar to Kentucky's and thus this claim must fail. Given the fact that the use of pancuronium bromide and its relationship to movement or pain has been extensively investigated in Florida and given the fact that Baze approved the use of this particular chemical, the Court concludes that further inquiry into this subject is neither necessary nor useful.