Opinion ID: 2599854
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Challenge to the Method of Execution

Text: Defendant contends the statutorily prescribed methods of execution in California violate the federal Constitution in two ways. First, he contends the state failed to comply with the statutory requirement that standards for lethal injection be established by the Department of Corrections [and Rehabilitation], citing section 3604, subdivision (a). Second, he contends death by lethal injection constitutes cruel and unusual punishment. These issues are not cognizable on appeal because alleged imperfections in the method of execution do not affect the validity of the death judgment itself. Defendant's attack on illegalities in the execution process that may or may not exist when his death sentence is carried out are premature. ( People v. Boyer, supra, 38 Cal.4th at p. 485, 42 Cal.Rptr.3d 677, 133 P.3d 581.)