Nitrogen Gas Inhalation: Legal? Ethical? Torture?

Alabama has scheduled the execution of Kenny Smith on the 25th January 2024, this will be the first execution to use this method of execution and has drawn controversy and shock. What is the science behind this form of execution? Can it be considered legal? Is Mr Smith being used as a “Human Guinea Pig”? Kenny Smith has already endured a 4 hour execution attempt when the State failed to get a needle into his vein to administer a lethal injection a year and a half ago. Our expert panel will discuss the science and pseudo-science of death by forced inhalation of nitrogen gas. The legalities and ethical issues surrounding Alabama’s decision to use Nitrogen Gas Inhalation (‘Nitrogen Hypoxia” “suffocation” or “Gassing”) as an execution method.  

You can watch the recording of the panel HERE on our Youtube page!

Death Penalty in Texas and the USA today
Summary from the "Top Killer State" experts 

Since 1976 Texas unapologetically has executed more people than any other State in the USA. WIth the death penalty supposedly in decline how does Texas now position itself? What are the current human rights and legal challenges? What is the impact on Texas and the US of the high profile nitrogen suffocation execution and expansion of capital charges beyond murder? How does the political forces impact Texas?

Professors Jim Marcus, Raoul Schonneman and Thea Posel from University of Texas Austin will be presenting live and in person to provide a unique opportunity to discuss issues surrounding the death penalty in Texas and the USA, with a wealth of experience and knowledge throughout all aspects of capital defense we anticipate this event to be a popular and lively event. 

Seeing the Bigger Picture

A criminal justice movie series in August-September 2023

We are hosting a gripping set of movie screenings, delving into the world of the death penalty. Embark on a thought-provoking journey with several films about the death penalty and criminal justice. Each screening will be shared with remarkable speakers.

Events will start at 5.30pm where you will be greeted with a popcorn reception and beverages and there will be an opportunity to network with some leading UK law firms! This event is open to all - members and non-members.

SCHEDULE
3 August: Fourteen Days in May
9 August: 12 Angry Men
16 August: Just Mercy
24 August: Clemency
31 August: Shawshank Redemption 
6 September: A series of short films (1 for 10 Series, The People vs. the Death Penalty)
14 September: 13th
21 September:  The State of Texas vs Melissa Lucio

International (In)Justice

Sponsored by the University of Law

Thursday 24th November 2022
6pm on Zoom 

On this occasion, we present a discussion on the (in)justice of the death penalty on a global scale. With fabulous guest speakers, below, we are set for a fascinating evening! 

• Gabrielle Darden, Capital Mitigation Specialist in Florida
• Professor Jon Yorke, professor of international law and human rights and Director of the Centre for Human Rights, BCU
• Joyce Claudia Choo, volunteer on US and Malaysian death penalty cases, we are set for an-eye opening and thought-provoking evening.

We finish by celebrating the students who keep us going in our fight against injustice in the US death penalty. As Gabrielle so aptly puts it, 'One student at a time is how we change one million lives'.

For full event information and to register for free, please click here.

The event is free to attend. For those who are able to, we invite a suggested donation of £5 per person. To donate (any amount - big or small!) click here.

Webinar Series:
Amicus on Death Row

ALL WEBINAR SESSIONS ARE NOW AVAIALABLE TO STREAM

Find out more about our host and exciting speakers here!

• Arts on Death Row 
  The aesthetical impact of paintings, literature, theatre, and music. Professor Jon will introduce ‘music on death row,’ with the experts discussing how the paintings of Francisco de Goya and the plays of William Shakespeare, contribute to our understanding of the death penalty. Can the arts contribute to ending this punishment?                                            Episode 1                                                                                                                                         
• God on Death Row 
  To what extent do sacred texts identify a deity that demands capital punishment? This will be an insight discussion into the evolution of the punishment within monotheistic religions such as Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Dr Roberto Carlés will provide excerpts from his personal audiences with Pope Francis. He will be joined by The Very Rev John Witcombe, Dean of Coventry Cathedral.                                                                                                                 Episode 2                                                                                                                              
• Doctors on Death Row 
  In Of the Epidemics, Hippocrates stated, ‘The physician must be able to tell the antecedents…with regards to disease, namely, to do good or to do no harm.’ We’ll discuss how this principle is applied with two of the world’s leading experts on medical ethics and the science of putting people to death.                                                                               Episode 3
• Time on Death Row                                                                                                              Time is an exploitable resource in the death penalty. A dangerous circumstance arises as governments can manipulate processes to weigh-down the scales for executions. Temporal consciousness necessitates an understanding of how linear, cyclical, and relative time is applied. We’ll discuss how time can be used to in the defence of those facing capital charges and executions.

    Suggested donation of £5 per session for students or £15 for all 4. 
For anyone else, suggested donation is £10 per session or £30 for all 4.

VOICES OF JUSTICE

THIS EVENT IS NOW CLOSED

Thursday 3rd November, 6pm on Zoom

Find out more about this event here.