9781422281291

The lethal injection room at San Quentin State Prison in California. The process, in which a combination of drugs are injected into a convicted criminal’s veins in order to stop his or her respiration and heart, is the most common form of execution in the United States. Supporters of the practice argue that, unlike previous methods used to execute criminals such as hanging, the electric chair, or the gas chamber, lethal injection is relatively pain- less, because the criminal is rendered unconscious before the killing drugs are injected. Opponents believe that the drug meant to cause unconsciousness can wear off relatively quickly, meaning that the criminal could be conscious throughout the process.

Graham’s execution was to be carried out by lethal injec- tion . On the day of the execution, Graham became angry and bitter once again. He had to be subdued by prison guards and carried into the execution room. He was covered in a sheet and restrained as he was injected with the poisonous drugs. He looked over towards one of his supporters, let out a slight groan, then died.

9

What Is Capital Punishment?