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Appeals court says Louisiana can carry out the state’s first nitrogen gas execution next week

On Friday, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans ruled that Louisiana could proceed with an execution using nitrogen gas.
This decision vacates a lower court's preliminary injunction, with Judges James Ho and Andrew Oldham, both appointed by President Donald Trump, supporting the state's argument that a firing squad, the inmate's requested method, would be more painful than nitrogen hypoxia.
Louisiana's expansion of execution methods, including nitrogen hypoxia, aimed to resume executions, while nationally, executions have declined due to legal battles, drug shortages, and waning public support.
Attorney General Liz Murrill and state officials applauded the decision, while Hoffman's attorney, Cecelia Kappel, denounced it, arguing that the new method violates the Constitution and could cause psychological terror, with a final appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court expected.
Louisiana would be the second state to use nitrogen hypoxia for execution, following Alabama's execution of Kenneth Eugene Smith, which was the first new method used in the U.S. Since lethal injection was introduced in 1982, but Judge Catharina Haynes dissented, suggesting the courts need more time for litigation.

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Judge halts Louisiana's first nitrogen gas execution

A court ruling has temporarily halted Louisiana's first nitrogen gas execution, scheduled for March 18 at the Louisiana State Penitentiary.

15 hours ago

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Verite

Appeals court clears way for Louisiana's first nitrogen gas execution

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2 days ago

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Lake Charles American Press

Jim Beam column:Execution method under fire - American Press

When a conservative columnist says execution by the administration of pure nitrogen gas is a “cruel and unusual punishment,” you sit up and take notice. Unfortunately, Gov. Jeff Landry, state Attorney General Liz Murrill and the Louisiana Legislature don’t agree. Quin Hillyer, a columnist for The Advocate, wrote a Thursday column headlined “Judge correct to delay execution.” Hillyer made it clear he isn’t saying he’s opposed to the death penalty…

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Newsweek

Louisiana can carry out first nitrogen gas execution, court rules

Jessie Hoffman Jr. is scheduled to be executed at the Louisiana State Penitentiary on March 18

2 days ago·United States

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Louisiana Illuminator

5th Circuit Court gives go-ahead for Louisiana’s first nitrogen gas execution

Jessie Hoffman is schedule to die by nitrogen hypoxia Tuesday, March 18, 2025, for the 1996 kidnapping, rape and murder of Mary "Molly" Elliot in St. Tammany Parish. The U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals removed a district judges injunction that was blocked Hoffman's execution. (Photo courtesy Hoffman's defense team)NEW ORLEANS – A federal appeals court Friday overturned a district judge’s order that had blocked Louisiana’s first planned executi…

2 days ago

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WGNO

Execution of Louisiana death row inmate Jessie Hoffman scheduled for Tuesday

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Louisiana death row inmate Jessie Hoffman is one step closer to his execution, which is scheduled for Tuesday. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans has overturned a lower court ruling that put the execution on hold. Man wounded following 7th Ward shooting The lower court judge wanted time to review evidence on whether or not death by nitrogen gas amounts to cruel and unusual punishment. But the higher cour…

2 days ago·New Orleans, United States

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