ACLU and Nevadans Call on Gov. Sandoval to Maintain State Moratorium on Executions

LAS VEGAS—The American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada on Monday sent a petition urging Gov. Brian Sandoval to call off the execution of Scott Dozier. More than 615 Nevadans signed on to condemn the proposed use of an experimental drug combination.

The ACLU of Nevada also called on Sandoval in a letter to keep the state’s de facto moratorium on executions in place, pointing out that the United States is the only advanced Western democracy today that does not view capital punishment as a profound human rights violation and a frightening abuse of government power.

ACLU of Nevada Executive Director Tod Story said:

“Capital punishment is inconsistent with the underlying values of our democratic system, namely the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness. With this letter and our petition, the ACLU of Nevada notified Governor Sandoval that the state’s proposed execution protocol violates the Constitution, and Nevadans across the state, will continue to speak out against the inhumane practice of executing prisoners.”

The execution of Scott Dozier was put on hold Thursday after Clark County District Court Judge Jennifer P. Togliatti enjoined the Nevada Department of Corrections from administering a paralytic as the final drug in its experimental execution protocol. The Nevada Attorney General’s Office requested a stay of execution in order to seek review by the Nevada Supreme Court.