Opinion ID: 1057791
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Lethal Injection is Cruel and Unusual Punishment

Text: Appellant Rimmer contends that lethal injection constitutes cruel and unusual punishment because the use of Pavulon with sodium pentothal and potassium chloride creates a risk of unnecessary physical and psychological suffering and because the lethal injection protocol lacks written provisions or other appropriate safeguards. Our supreme court has recently rejected these claims in Abu-Ali Abdur Rahman v. Bredesen, 181 S.W.3d 292, 307-310 (Tenn.2005). While Appellant acknowledges this ruling, he makes specific challenges as to the validity of our supreme court's reasoning. We, as an intermediate appellate court, are bound by the decisions of the Tennessee Supreme Court as to state and federal constitutional questions. State v. Pendergrass, 13 S.W.3d 389, 397 (Tenn.Crim.App.1999). Thus, we decline the Appellant's invitation to revisit this claim. 11. [Deleted: Review Pursuant to Section 39-13-206(c), Tennessee Code Annotated]