Supreme Court and Use of Execution Drugs

On June 28th, the Supreme Court allows use of execution drug.  In Glossip v. Gross The SCOTUS ruled against three death row inmates who sought to bar the use of execution drugs, saying they risk causing excruciating pain. Prior to the ruling, two dissenting members  – Justices Stephen G. Breyer and Ruth Bader Ginsburg – were ready to rule that the death penalty was unconstitutional.  In the end a 5-to-4 decision favored the use.  Washington State law allows for Capital Punishment by intravenous injection or by hanging of the neck (if the defendant so chooses).  As of February 2015, Washington State Correctional list 9 men on death row.


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SCOTUS – Same Sex Marriage

Same sex couples around the United States are celebrating a huge milestone in the case of Obergefell v. Hodges.  On June 23rd, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruled in favor of same sex union by a 5-4 vote.  This decision means that no state can ban same sex couples from marrying and must recognize their union.  In support of the decision, the White House lit up with rainbow lights the same evening.  Same sex marriage has been legally recognized in Washington State since December 6, 2012.


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