Execution by Nitrogen Hypoxia: Search for Scientific Consensus

Abstract

With the declining ability to use lethal injection in executions, states are beginning to take serious consideration of using nitrogen gas in capital punishment. The article first examines the recent shift away from lethal injection and whether nitrogen hypoxia will survive under current legal jurisprudence. Next, the article identifies human studies on accidental deaths from nitrogen. Third, the article examines the recent rise in nitrogen use in suicides and by right to die advocates. Finally, the article compares the use of nitrogen as an execution method with its use as a euthanizing agent in veterinary medicine.

Keywords: Nitrogen, Death Penalty, Executions, Euthanasia, Bucklew v. Precythe