Ohio inmates appeal in 1st Amendment lethal-injection case

CINCINNATI (AP) — Four death row inmates challenging an Ohio law that shields the names of companies providing lethal-injection drugs have appealed a judge’s dismissal of their lawsuit.

The inmates argue the new law violates free-speech rights, contending in part that the measure restricts information that helps inform the public debate over capital punishment.

U.S. District Court Judge Gregory Frost ruled last month the inmates lacked standing, saying their challenge was not tied to “actual or imminent injuries.”

The inmates appealed to the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals last Thursday.

Ohio’s attorneys argue that nothing in the law infringes on prisoners’ First Amendment rights or their ability to argue issues in court.