executions

AP - The U.N.'s highest court begins emergency hearings Thursday on Mexico's appeal to block the execution of its citizens on death row in the United States.

Reuters - Taliban insurgents urged the international community and right groups to stop Afghan President Hamid Karzai approving the execution of about 100 prisoners whose death sentences were approved by the supreme court.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that the most commonly used method of execution in the United States is constitutional.

Prisoners from Kentucky had argued that the three-drug combination could cause them to die in excruciating pain if it were administered incorrectly.

Many states have been delaying executions waiting for the ruling.

By a 7-2 vote, the Supreme Court has upheld the way Kentucky carries out executions by lethal injection.

AP - The Supreme Court upheld Kentucky's use of lethal injection executions Wednesday, likely clearing the way to resume executions that have been on hold for nearly 8 months.