Opinion ID: 204393
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: availability of the onedrug protocol

Text: We cannot embrace the claim that the Protocol is unconstitutional because a one-drug approach is a proven alternative. Under Baze, the failure to adopt an alternative protocol establishes an Eighth Amendment violation only if the current protocol creates a substantial risk of serious harm that the alternative protocol will reduce. Baze, 553 U.S. at 52, 128 S.Ct. 1520. [A] condemned prisoner cannot successfully challenge a State's method of execution merely by showing a slightly or marginally safer alternative [exists]. Id. at 51, 128 S.Ct. 1520 (internal quotation and citation omitted). Here, we have determined that the Protocol does not create a substantial risk of serious harm, and thus Arizona cannot be required to adopt a one-drug protocol, even if there is evidence that the protocol is safer and feasible. AFFIRMED.