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Florida Judge Criticizes "Hooded Executioner" Procedure

Last week, Governor Charlie Christ ended the suspension on executions in the state. Other objections are emerging.

At a hearing Sunday in a case involving an upcoming execution, Circuit Judge Carven Angel in Ocala expressed additional objections:

Circuit Judge Carven Angel in Ocala questioned the "experience and competence" of the hooded executioner who's paid by the state to apply lethal chemicals in the death chamber.

The Judge noted that the job of executioner, which pays $150.00 per execution, is open to those 18 and older. The law provides his or her identity be kept secret.

"I don't think that any 18-year-old executioner with the pressure of a governor's warrant behind him to carry out an execution, and with the pressure of the whole world, the press and the whole world in front of him, and looking at him, is going to have enough experience and competence to stop an execution when it needs to be stopped," the judge said, according to the transcript. "I just don't think that's going to happen."

More...

Judge Angel is calling for more detailed "job descriptions and qualifications" for the executioner's job.

He also threw some criticism at Gov. Christ:

"He needs to know that the process is going to be consistent with evolving standards and notions of the dignity of man," he said. "... Well, how can the governor know that ... when he's considering whether or not he ought to sign a warrant?"

The state will file a response to Judge Angel's ruling by August 17.

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    A $150 per execution (none / 0) (#1)
    by Militarytracy on Tue Jul 24, 2007 at 11:37:40 AM EST
    Wow that's gross and creepy!  We exploit the poor for our blood supply, what's next?

    150 bucks.... (none / 0) (#2)
    by kdog on Tue Jul 24, 2007 at 09:00:28 PM EST
    it never ceases to amaze how cheap some human beings will sell their souls for.