Ethical Questions Arise After Tennessee Execution of Death-Row Inmate

In Tennessee, a death-row inmate was executed despite concerns that his medical device may have caused additional pain. The inmate, Byron Black, had an implanted defibrillator that was not deactivated before his lethal injection.

There were concerns that the device could shock his heart as the chemicals took effect. Black was convicted in the 1988 shooting deaths of his girlfriend and his two daughters. In July, a judge sided with Black’s attorneys, ruling that the device should be turned off. However, the state Supreme Court recently overturned that decision.

The case has raised several ethical questions. Corinna Lain, Professor of Law at the University of Richmond School of Law, joins to share more about the case. As the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has called for an end to the death penalty —and many people protested the execution today—she discusses whether this could lead to any change.

Watch the full interview