USA - Delaware. Robert W. Jackson's execution delayed in dispute over lethal drugs

Robert W. Jackson III's execution delayed in dispute over lethal drugs. District Judge Sue L. Robinson has ordered a delay in execution of convicted killer Robert W. Jackson III, which had been set for July 29. The federal judge, who put a similar stay in place on May 9, 2006 (see) on the eve of Jackson’s previous date with the execution chamber, is set to hear arguments from both sides on July 27 about the state changing 1 of 3 drugs that it uses in lethal injection executions. Attorneys representing Jackson have argued that the drug – pentobarbital – is largely untested in lethal injection executions and the change violates Robinson’s Feb. 2010 ruling that dismissed Jackson’s previous lawsuit. Delaware prosecutors had argued that the change in drugs was minor and that the drug has been used in seven states to conduct 15 different executions. The state also argued that no court which has looked at the change from sodium thiopental to pentobarbital has found any constitutional issues. Jackson was sentenced to death for the 1992 slaying of Elizabeth Girardi, 47.