To the Point
The Death Penalty in America
European companies are refusing to import the drugs for lethal injections. Will that lead to fewer executions or a return to gas chambers, electric chairs and hangings?
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenThirty-two states still have the death penalty, but it's getting hard to administer now that European companies are refusing to import the right drugs for lethal injections. Will that lead to fewer executions or a return to gas chambers, electric chairs and hangings? Also, Janet Yellen testifies on Capitol Hill, and the politics and legality of extra-judicial killings.
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In this episode
3 storiesJanet Yellen Testifies on Capitol Hill
Janet Yellen, the first woman to chair the Federal Reserve, testified today before the House Financial Services Committee. She signaled that she'll keep interest rates low and continue other policies of Ben Bernanke, the man she's just replaced. Binyamin Appelbaum, Washington Correspondent for the New York Times , has more on today's hearing.
Read the story7 minDo We Still Need the Death Penalty?
Capital punishment is on the decline in the US, though it's still on the books in 32 states with more than 3000 inmates on death row. It's also back in the news since federal prosecutors said they would seek death for the Boston Marathon bomber.
Read the story35 minThe Politics (and Legality) of Extrajudicial Killings
The Obama Administration is debating whether to authorize a drone strike against an American citizen living in Pakistan. Last May, President Obama said "for the record" that could not happen in the United States without due process, and that drone strikes would never be used in this country. What's the evidence that he's a threat to America?
Read the story8 min
