Nitrogen Gas Executions Upheld

A federal judge has ruled that Alabama's use of nitrogen gas for executions does not violate the U.S. Constitution.

The decision follows the nation's first bench trial examining the controversial method, which has already been used to put eight people to death.

The ruling rejected claims from an inmate that the process causes excessive suffering and constitutes cruel and unusual punishment.

While proponents argue the method is a humane alternative to lethal injection, human rights advocates and some medical professionals continue to warn of potential risks and the lack of scientific consensus on its effects.