South Carolina Supreme Court Halts Executions for Holiday Season

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Holiday Break in Executions Announced by Supreme Court

The South Carolina Supreme Court has declared a break from executions during the holiday season. In a ruling issued on Thursday, justices stated they would not sign the next death warrant until at least January 3, 2024. This decision comes as the state has recommenced executions this year after a 13-year hiatus.

Background of the Execution Reinstatement

South Carolina’s return to the death chamber began earlier this year following difficulties in obtaining the drugs necessary for lethal injections. Major pharmaceutical companies had expressed concerns about disclosing their identities if they supplied the state with execution drugs. In response, a privacy law was enacted, allowing the state to keep the names of drug suppliers confidential, thus enabling prison officials to acquire the required drugs.

Execution Schedule and Legal Appeals

The justices’ brief ruling did not provide any specific reasons for the holiday pause. Previously, the court could have issued a death warrant for Marion Bowman Jr. on November 8, which would have facilitated his execution on December 6. Currently, South Carolina has executed two inmates since resuming capital punishment: Freddie Owens on September 20 and Richard Moore on November 1.

Legal representatives for four inmates who have exhausted their appeals requested the court to allow a break over the holidays. In court documents, the lawyers argued that “six consecutive executions with virtually no respite will take a substantial toll on all involved, particularly during a time of year that is vital for families.”

State’s Position on Execution Timing

Attorneys representing the state indicated that prison officials were prepared to adhere to the original execution schedule. They noted that South Carolina had previously conducted executions during the holiday season, having carried out five executions between December 4, 1998, and January 8, 1999.

According to state law, executions must occur on the “fourth Friday after the notice is received.” If the court does issue a death warrant for Bowman on January 3, it would result in his execution scheduled for January 31.

Significance of Spacing Out Executions

Since resuming executions, the South Carolina Supreme Court has committed to spacing out execution dates by approximately five weeks. This schedule was designed to provide necessary time for prison staff and defense attorneys, many of whom represent multiple condemned inmates. Legal professionals require sufficient time to prepare for a range of tasks, including ensuring lethal injection drugs are available, as well as maintaining readiness for the electric chair and firing squad, alongside handling last-minute legal appeals.

Looking Ahead

As the holiday season approaches, the break from executions allows for reflection on the implications of capital punishment in South Carolina. With more than half of his life spent on death row, Bowman, 44, was convicted in 2001 for the murder of a friend whose body was discovered in the trunk of a car. While discussions about the morality and effectiveness of the death penalty persist, the state’s decision to halt executions temporarily underscores the complexities involved in carrying out capital punishment.

The pause offers a moment for all parties involved to consider the implications and significance of their roles in such profound and sensitive matters as executions, especially during a time that holds special meaning for many families.