Death-row inmates' lawyer says nothing new in state's request to dismiss

Executions have been set for (top row, from left) Kenneth Williams, Jack Jones Jr., Marcel Williams, Bruce Earl Ward, and (bottom row, from left) Don Davis, Stacey Johnson, Jason McGehee and Ledell Lee.
Executions have been set for (top row, from left) Kenneth Williams, Jack Jones Jr., Marcel Williams, Bruce Earl Ward, and (bottom row, from left) Don Davis, Stacey Johnson, Jason McGehee and Ledell Lee.

LITTLE ROCK — A lawyer for eight Arkansas inmates scheduled for execution beginning Oct. 21 says the state repeated most of its arguments from previous filings when it asked a judge to dismiss their lawsuit this week.

Attorney Jeff Rosenzweig filed his response late Tuesday, referring in large part to previously filed arguments. A judge is scheduled to rule on the original motion to dismiss at a hearing Wednesday.

Rosenzweig has argued that the state's secrecy law is unconstitutional and could amount to cruel and unusual punishment in violation the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution.

He has said it also violates a previous lawsuit settlement agreement between the inmates and the state to allow them to know the source of the lethal drugs. The state has argued no current contract exists.

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