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Arkansas tripped by rush to execute

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas’ push to put eight men to death in less than two weeks has so far resulted in just one lethal injection, and legal experts say that shows the risks of pursuing the nation’s most ambitious execution schedule since the death penalty was restored in 1976.

Ledell Lee was executed minutes before his death warrant was set to expire late Thursday. It was the first time since 2005 that Arkansas had put an inmate to death.

Three other planned executions were canceled this week because of court decisions. Another inmate scheduled for execution next week has received a stay. And three remaining lethal injections face similar hurdles.

“If I were in the state’s shoes, I would be prepared for almost double the level of scrutiny,” said Brian Gallini, a law professor at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

The state is racing to carry out the executions before its supply of midazolam, one of three drugs used, expires by month’s end.

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