Arizonans Must Seek Truth About Executions

That's the title of an OpEd in the Arizona Daily Star by John Whitehead of the Rutherford Institute.  LINK

Without transparency in government, those in power fall prey to corruption and incompetence. This fact is epitomized by the Arizona Department of Corrections' decision to hire Dr. Alan Doerhoff — the only doctor ever to be banned by a federal court from participating in executions — to administer the state's lethal injections.

Thanks to recent investigative news reports, Arizonans know why the department wanted to keep Doerhoff's involvement in executions secret. Doerhoff is dyslexic and has testified that he sometimes confuses dosages during lethal injections. He has been barred from practicing medicine in two Missouri hospitals and has been sued for malpractice more than 20 times. Doerhoff was ultimately banned from participating in Missouri executions once these facts were made public.

If Doerhoff wasn't good enough for Missouri, why would he be good enough for Arizona?

For decades, the department has carried out virtually every aspect of lethal- injection executions outside of public view and without legislative or executive oversight. It is time for the shroud of secrecy to be lifted. Doerhoff's hiring raises serious concerns about the department's judgment, extending beyond the qualifications and training of those carrying out lethal injections.

With these new revelations, the courts should scrutinize all aspects of Arizona's lethal-injection procedures and the decision-making behind them. Employing a medical professional who is trained and qualified to carry out lethal injections should be the minimum of the department's responsibility. Incredibly, the department has failed that basic test.

More on Dr. Doerhoff is here.