Alabama wants to execute a man by nitrogen hypoxia. That is cruel | Austin Sarat

To put it plainly, nitrogen hypoxia kills by starving someone of the oxygen needed to sustain life The eighth amendment prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment is among the most noble and valuable constitutional protections. It is the only provision of the constitution that recognizes the dignity and humanity of everyone, even those who commit the vilest crimes. But in the last several years, this great legal and moral achievement has taken a beating at the hands of conservative judges and justices. They have done much to empty it of its meaning by tethering it to the views of the people who wrote it more than two centuries ago. Continue reading...

Austin Sarat · Thu, Jun 11, 2026, 4:00 AM
US news | The Guardian

Alabama wants to execute a man by nitrogen hypoxia. That is cruel | Austin Sarat

To put it plainly, nitrogen hypoxia kills by starving someone of the oxygen needed to sustain life

The eighth amendment prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment is among the most noble and valuable constitutional protections. It is the only provision of the constitution that recognizes the dignity and humanity of everyone, even those who commit the vilest crimes.

But in the last several years, this great legal and moral achievement has taken a beating at the hands of conservative judges and justices. They have done much to empty it of its meaning by tethering it to the views of the people who wrote it more than two centuries ago.

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