The state of Tennessee has not executed a prisoner since 2020, in part, because of procedural complexities around COVID. Then, after the release of an unfavorable report by an independent investigation into its lethal injection protocols, a moratorium was announced in May 2022.
Here are 10 notable new laws taking effect July 1 in Tennessee
Starting July 1, more than 100 new laws take effect in Tennessee. Altogether, lawmakers passed more than 500 new laws, but some will be enacted throughout the year.
Death penalty for child rape convictions advances in Tennessee House
One Tennessee House Republican wants child rapists to face the death penalty. However, a 2008 U.S. Supreme Court ruling bars states from doing so unless the crime involves a child’s death. Rep. William Lamberth wants it to be state law anyway.
A Tennessee law giving the AG more power over death penalty cases has been ruled unconstitutional
The ruling from Judge Paula Skahan in Memphis impacts courts across the state.
Tennessee Black Caucus calls for resignation of lawmaker whose bill amendment would bring back lynching
Lethal injection for Tennessee’s death row inmates has been on pause since last April. In the meantime, one lawmaker is proposing the use of electric chairs and firing squads as alternatives. There’s an uproar, however, against an even harsher proposal.
Executions will remain on hold until the state fixes its lethal injection protocol, says Gov. Lee
Inmates on death row in Tennessee were granted reprieve on Friday when Gov. Bill Lee announced that the state’s highest court will not reschedule executions, for now.
Tennessee’s lethal injection chemicals haven’t been tested properly for years, according to third party review
Gov. Bill Lee is changing the way Tennessee carries out its executions, following an independent review of the state’s lethal injections.
Defense attorneys ask Tennessee governor to stop all executions until protocols can be independently reviewed
Middle Tennessee’s federal public defender is asking Gov. Bill Lee to halt all executions until an independent group can review the state’s protocols. The defense attorneys sent a letter to the governor Thursday morning, one week after he granted a last-minute reprieve for Oscar Smith.
Tennessee governor postpones first scheduled execution since the pandemic, citing concerns about lethal injection protocol
Oscar Smith was not killed by the state of Tennessee as planned Thursday night.
Gov. Bill Lee granted Smith a temporary reprieve barely an hour before the execution was scheduled to take place, citing “an oversight in preparation for lethal injection.”
Oscar Smith and Tennessee’s history of capital punishment
Update: About 15 minutes before Oscar Smith was scheduled to be executed, Gov. Bill Lee released this statement: “Due to an oversight in preparation for lethal injection, the scheduled execution of Oscar Smith will not move forward tonight. I am granting a temporary reprieve while we address Tennessee Department of Correction protocol. Further details will […]
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