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In a controversial and unprecedented move, Idaho has recently passed laws allowing the use of firing squads as a means of execution.

Executions by firing squad intend to scare potential criminals into proper justice with harsh sentencing and it also provides victims of crime with justice–as brutal as that justice may be.

Daily wire reports. A new Idaho law will allow death row inmates to be executed by firing squad, making the “Gem State” one of only five states that allow that method of execution.

According to a report from the Associated Press, the bill passed with a veto-proof majority — and only allows a firing squad to be used for executions in the state if the drug cocktail used for lethal injections is unavailable at the time.

In a tweet the Associated press stated “A bill that would allow execution by firing squad in Idaho, only if the state cannot obtain drugs needed for lethal injections, passed the Legislature with a veto-proof majority. Only four other states have laws allowing firing squads.”

Over the last several years, some pharmaceutical companies have moved to reject orders from executioners, leading some states to explore alternatives to standard lethal injection drugs.

Pfizer stated in 2016 “Pfizer makes its products to enhance and save the lives of the patients we serve, Pfizer makes its products to enhance and save the lives of the patients we serve”

During former President Donald Trump’s administration, 13 federal inmates were executed using the sedative pentobarbital, but defense attorneys argued that the drug could cause a drowning sensation and that a firing squad might even be more humane.

In a 2019 filing, experts claimed death by firing squad was not always instant, and the condemned person’s final moments could be extremely painful, due to bone shattering and spinal cord damage.

There were many critics of Idaho’s new law, including Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA), who attacked the state’s Republican leadership for approving it.

Newsom stated in a tweet “The @GOP are so pro life they believe death by firing squad is ‘humane,’”

Idaho’s decision to pass the law allowing death row inmates to choose execution by firing squad brings justice and a sense of justice for victims and their families. Although, this could cause fear into criminals and provide them with a breaking point before changing their ways, the reality is harsh and makes some people question whether it is humane. In any case, justice is served as the severity of this sentence still sets an example and helps create victory for those who have been wronged in the past. It sets a precedent that justice cannot be violated or taken away which will only send fear into those who consider criminal activities. Furthermore, it sends a clear message that justice must be served no matter how scary or harsh the sentencing may be.

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