NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - A trial over the constitutionality of Tennessee's preferred method of executing prisoners is entering its second week.
Attorneys for 33 death row inmates have so far presented expert witnesses to discuss technical aspects of the procedure. That includes the role of compounding pharmacists in producing the lethal injection drug pentobarbital.
The inmates' attorneys are trying to show the compounded form of the drug is likely to cause a condemned inmate to suffer extreme pain.
Another expert witness suggested that someone given a high dose of the drug could spontaneously recover from a death-like coma.
Attorneys for the state have argued much of the testimony is irrelevant. They say inmates are not guaranteed a painless death.
Plaintiffs continue to present their case in Davidson County Chancery Court on Monday morning.
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