Tennessee is about to execute its first woman since 1819. Her case raises troubling questions | Austin Sarat

Christa Pike’s planned execution is emblematic of America’s broken death penalty system On 30 September, the state of Tennessee plans to put Christa Pike to death. She would be the third person brought to the death chamber in the Volunteer state this year, one of which was stopped after it was botched. She would join 17 others who have been put to death there since 1960. None of them were women. Continue reading...

Austin Sarat · Fri, Sep 4, 2026, 5:00 AM
US news | The Guardian

Tennessee is about to execute its first woman since 1819. Her case raises troubling questions | Austin Sarat

Christa Pike’s planned execution is emblematic of America’s broken death penalty system

On 30 September, the state of Tennessee plans to put Christa Pike to death. She would be the third person brought to the death chamber in the Volunteer state this year, one of which was stopped after it was botched.

She would join 17 others who have been put to death there since 1960. None of them were women.

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