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Shortage Of Lethal Injection Drugs Raises Legal Questions

The Arizona Department of Corrections is saying little as four more death row inmates get closer to being executed. A shortage of the drug the state has been using for its lethal injections may force them to use an alternate, or find a pharmacy to make the drug from scratch. But that could open another round of legal challenges.

Corrections spokesman Doug Nick says with no executions currently scheduled, they are looking at all their options.

“Lots of drugs in question but our protocol will be prepared in time when that time comes for a warrant to be issued, which none has been issued and none is forthcoming for the foreseeable future,” Nick said.

He says when a warrant is received from the state Supreme Court, Corrections officials will pursue their method of execution.         

Dennis Lambert was a morning host at KJZZ.