The Alabama attorney general's office told federal appeals court judges last week that nitrogen hypoxia is "the most painless and humane method of execution known to man."
The execution would be the first attempt to use a new method since lethal injection was introduced in 1982.
Three states — Alabama, Mississippi and Oklahoma — have authorized nitrogen hypoxia as an execution method.
The Alabama attorney general's office noted that Smith, when previously fighting lethal injection, had suggested nitrogen as an alternative execution method.
Courts require inmates challenging their execution method to suggest an alternative method.
Persons:
Kenneth Eugene Smith, gurney, general's, Smith, Dr, Jeffrey Keller, ” Keller, Keller, Joel Zivot, Zivot, Prosecutors, Elizabeth Sennett, Sennett, John Forrest Parker, Charles Sennett Jr, Smith “, Mama, ”, Robin M, Maher, Kenny, Jeff Hood, “, Shane Isner, Kay Ivey, Ivey
Organizations:
American College of Correctional Physicians, Veterinary Medical Association, United Nations Human Rights, ”, U.S . Chemical Safety, Hazard Investigation, WAAY, Alabama, Christian Church, Capitol, Alabama Gov, Associated Press, Department of Corrections
Locations:
MONTGOMERY, Ala, Alabama, Mississippi, Oklahoma, U.S