Supreme Court Upholds Use Of Execution Drug

In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court has upheld the use of a controversial execution drug.

The case was brought by a group of Oklahoma inmates who argued that a drug used by the state constituted cruel and unusual punishment because it did not guarantee that prisoners would be unconscious when additional drugs were administered to stop their hearts.

The drug was used in three botched executions last year that appeared to leave prisoners in excruciating pain. The court ruled that the Oklahoma prisoners did not prove that a better drug was available.

The Supreme Court also approved the use of special commissions in drawing the lines for congressional districts after censuses. Here & Now's Robin Young will explore all of today's decisions with Emily Bazelon, staff writer for the New York Times Magazine.