The U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments today in an Oklahoma case challenging the constitutionality of lethal injection procedure.
The case argues to end the use of the sedative Midazolam, in the state's lethal injection protocol. The drug is also part of Louisiana's protocol.
The lawsuit was filed after four apparently botched executions, which included Midazolam as part of the injection procedure. "The case is going to test whether Midazolam does what states claim it does as a sedative, and that it does not allow for substantial risk of pain, when less painful alternatives are available," says Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino.
Midazolam is an anti-anxiety drug that has no pain relieving properties. Critics question its effectiveness as a sedative.
