Condemned men seek appeals even after decades behind bars

FILE - This combination of file photos shows one of the three drugs that the Arkansas Department of Correction (ADC) purchased to perform several executions. The top photo, provided by the ADC, shows a bottle of Midazolam, with the manufacturer's information blacked out by the ADC. The bottom photo, provided by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, shows the label for Midazolam. London-based Hikma Pharmaceuticals, whose American subsidiary West-Ward Pharmaceuticals makes the drug, has said that it does not want its drugs to be used for executions. (Arkansas Department of Correction/FDA via AP) FILE - This combination of file photos shows one of the three drugs that the Arkansas Department of Correction (ADC) purchased to perform several executions. The top photo, provided by the ADC, shows a bottle of Midazolam, with the manufacturer's information blacked out by the ADC. The bottom photo, provided by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, shows the label for Midazolam. London-based Hikma Pharmaceuticals, whose American subsidiary West-Ward Pharmaceuticals makes the drug, has said that it does not want its drugs to be used for executions. (Arkansas Department of Correction/FDA via AP)

By Associated Press April 24, 2017 4 min read

WASHINGTON (AP) – Last-ditch court appeals could block the executions of two Arkansas inmates who are scheduled to be put to death Monday after spending more than two decades behind bars. What’s left to appeal after so many years? A look at some issues that can stop a lethal injection at the last minute.

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Q: WHAT’S THE SITUATION IN ARKANSAS?

A: Arkansas sought this month to carry out the nation’s most ambitious execution schedule since the death penalty was restored in 1976. Authorities initially planned to put eight men to death before April 30, when the state’s supply of midazolam expires. That’s the drug used to render inmates unconscious before they receive other injections to stop their hearts and lungs.

So far, only one person has been executed. Courts have blocked four lethal injections, including at least one that was called off only hours before the inmate was to enter the death chamber.