Opinion ID: 204393
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Implementation of Execution Procedures

Text: Dickens also contends that there were problems with administering the chemicals during Comer's execution. The records from Comer's execution indicate that the chemicals were administered more quickly than planned. The checklist setting forth each step of the execution states that the administration of the sodium thiopental should take approximately two minutes and forty-five seconds. The execution records, however, reflect that it took less than two minutes to administer. In addition, the SOT members administering the chemicals did not flush the line with heparin/saline between two of the injections. MTM # 1 caught the error before the second injection and instructed the SOT members to flush the line. Although we agree with Dickens that it is critical for Arizona to follow the procedures set forth in the Protocol when conducting an execution, the evidence from Comer's executionundertaken before the Protocol was in placeis insufficient to cast doubt on Arizona's ability or willingness to do so. Even construing the evidence in the light most favorable to Dickens, there is no indication that Arizona failed to follow the procedures in place at the time of the execution. Absent any evidence that Arizona failed to adhere to execution procedures in the past, it would be pure speculation to conclude that Arizona might fail to follow the Protocol in the future or even that a material issue of fact has been raised with respect to the effect of past compliance. See Emmett, 532 F.3d at 304 ([S]peculation and building of inferences [of improper administration]. . . is wholly insufficient to create a genuine issue of material fact that Virginia has a history of failing to properly administer full doses of thiopental. . . .). Since Comer's execution, Arizona also has adopted additional safeguards to reduce the risk of improper anesthetization. Team members must undergo extensive training, the MTMs must physically confirm unconsciousness and SOT must wait three minutes before the pancuronium bromide is injected. Even if the evidence suggested that Arizona's past execution procedures created a substantial risk of harm, that evidence, alone, would not establish an issue of fact as to whether such a risk exists under the Protocol. See Nooner, 594 F.3d at 602 ([E]ven if [Arkansas] engaged in a `series of abortive' execution attempts under previous protocols, the record does not establish a genuine issue of material fact about whether the Inmates will remain conscious . . . under the current protocol.). Finally, without dismissing the significance of any problems that might have occurred during Comer's execution, we are bound by Baze to hold that an isolated mishap . . . while regrettable, does not suggest . . . a `substantial risk of serious harm.' Baze, 553 U.S. at 50, 128 S.Ct. 1520 (quoting Louisiana ex rel. Francis v. Resweber, 329 U.S. 459, 67 S.Ct. 374, 91 L.Ed. 422 (1947) (upholding a second attempt to electrocute a prisoner after the first attempt failed)).