The 3rd Court of Appeals today denied two death row inmates’ request to stop the state from using a new lethal injection drug.
Texas Department Of Criminal Justice
ACLU: Texas Law Protects Lizards More Than Humans
Texas laws more strictly regulate euthanasia of animals than the lethal injection of death row inmates, according to a report released Sunday by the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Texas and the Center for International Human Rights at Northwestern University Law School.
Guest Column: The Red-Headed Exception
The authorities in Hudspeth County have realized what the rest of us have known for years: Before you start investigating the funny smell emanating from his tour bus, remember that he’s Willie Nelson. The usual rules don’t apply.
Judge Denies Death Penalty Drug Challenge
Travis County District Court Judge Stephen Yelenosky this afternoon denied the request of two death row inmates to temporarily halt executions with Texas’ new lethal injection drug. Lawyers for Cleve Foster and Humberto Leal said they would immediately appeal the judge’s decision.
Execution Drug Switch Ignites Controversy
Texas’ decision to change one of the drugs used for lethal injections has sparked a lawsuit, calls for federal investigation of the criminal justice department and pleas from the drugmaker not to use its product for executions.
House Lawmakers Propose Privatizing All State Jails
House lawmakers are considering a plan to privatize all of Texas’ state jails for low-level felony offenders, a move they say could save the state up to $40 million.
Lawyers Allege Texas Executes Prisoners With Illegally Obtained Drugs
Lawyers for two Texas death row inmates today asked state and federal law enforcement to investigate whether prison officials illegally obtained death penalty drugs the state used in nearly all of its 466 executions.
Eyewitness Identification Bill Tentatively Passes House
A bill to improve how police conduct lineups to solve crimes tentatively passed the Texas House today without opposition.
Lawmakers Want Fewer Tickets for Students
Last year, Texas police issued 300,000 students for offenses like chewing gum, truancy and cursing. The Senate Criminal Justice Committee today discussed a bill that would mean far fewer citations for youngsters in schools.
Death Row Inmates Sue Over Lethal Injection Drug
Two death row inmates sued the state today, arguing that the decision to use a new lethal injection drug was made too secretly and too hastily.

