Why do they sterilise the lethal injection?

OldSage

A great deal of the reason has to do with the death penalty having to be done in as humane a way as possible.

First, there is the possibility that the execution could be called off at the last minute, and it certainly wouldn't be good for somebody to be pulled from the death chamber at the last minute only to succumb to some horrible virulent disease acquired from a dirty needle.

Second, and much more to the point, death by lethal injection is considered a medical procedure by law, because of the use of the needles and drugs, and a medical practicioner is required to oversee the insertion and injections. Because it is considered a medical procedure, the basic rules of medicine take precedence, meaning that everything must be sterile.

skatedrummer93

I agree that it's dumb, but the ppl who wanted 2 raise taxes said viruses can spread even when it's not direct contact, so the doctors would be @ risk. And the prisons don't want 2 get sued cuz sum ppl have survived the injection, and if they get the disease, they can sue the government and prison.

ben b

If they didnt, and the relatives of the deceased scum bag, found a slight trace of germ in the post mortem, im sure they'd get millions, in compensation payout, in line with current policy.

The Drunken Fool

they also put antislip strips on the stairs up to the chamber!

they would probably have to ensure that the drugs are also sterile! Those crazy yanks!

Giff

Looks more professional.

Ahmad F

because execution has to be done by someone special who is chosen be the court , this person has to wait until a certain time to release the lethal injection , before that time no one can harm the prisoner. the person who put the needle in the
vessel can not harm the convict by any chance so the lethal injection has to be sterilised , it is always a slight chance that after inserting the needle the court wants to delay the execution or even finds the convict innocent .in this case he or she is not infected by dirty needle

Roger Y

Standard protocal for ALL needles.

firecracker

They do this to be sure the prisoner dies of the lethal injection and not of some potentially fatal disease. If not then the prison could be accused of wrongful death (citing the prison died of an injected virus, making the action inhumane).

bugaboo

Do they?

I'd use the same dirty one for all those that are in for the death penalty.

paulavcruz87

In case they get infected. lol

I'm not sure. For autopsy purposes?

dollysdress

in case they change their mind at the last moment

wordykat

Good question. i didnt know they did

Pasteur30

Because somebody would protest saying that the killers were inhumanely killed. According to I don't know what, some people say that the murderers should be mercifully put to sleep.
I don't know, but perhaps it would be more effective to use "an eye for an eye". I have the feeling that criminals would think twice before killing somebody.
In the 50s, when the laws were tougher, crime was very low.
I understand that in Dominican Republic, when Trujillo was the ruler, you could leave your car open. Nobody would touch anything. Why ?
Because the third time the cops got you for robbery, they took you to the outskirts of the city and they hanged you. It was inconstitutional because the death penalty did not exist then, but it was EXTREMELY effective.
In Saudi Arabia, in the public markets, nobody touches anything. If you are caught trying to steal something, they cut you a hand. If you are lucky, only the fingers.
Right, it is harsh, but NOBODY touches anything

20mommy05

Good question...a couple of reasons

A. You can't buy dirty needles. They already come sterile
B. If the person they used the needle on before had HIV the person doing the actual sticking is at risk of accidentally poking himself and contracting it
C. It is possible for someone to survive the death penalty. If they do they cannot be killed again, a dirty need could mean infection and o f course HIV. This also works if they get the order last minute to stop due to new evidence. Yes this does happen.
D. The person who is doing the procedure needs to feel that it is a medical procedure more than he is killing someone. The more professional and medical the easier it is to sleep at night.

GreatEnlightened One

Old habits die hard .

emptiedfull

oh now that's just plain funny. are you sure that they do? why don't they provide one last cigarette? maybe that's included in the last 'meal' upon request. you should email jeff foxworthy (or one of the other comedians on the blue collar tour, comedy central).

whistleblower

good question..but how do you know that they do...where is the proof that they do

Whyknot

The real question should be - "Why are there lethal injections?" Every act of killing is a sin - no matter what religion you are (I think). No matter how evil a person is, I believe that there should be no death sentance. To take away any life is murder - no matter what legislation is in place to back it up.