article_snippet: Utah is a capital punishment state and needs a backup execution method in case a shortage of no lethal injection drugs persists, Republican governor Gary Herbert said. '
article_snippet: We regret anyone ever commits the heinous crime of aggravated murder to merit the death penalty, and We prefer to use We primary method of lethal injection when such a sentence is issued,' Republican governor Gary Herbert's spokesman said.
article_snippet: However, enforcing death sentences is 'the obligation of the executive branch'.
article_snippet: The governor's office noted that other states allow execution methods other than lethal injection.
article_snippet: In Washington state, inmates can request hanging.
article_snippet: In New Hampshire, hangings are fallback if lethal injections can't be given.
article_snippet: And an Oklahoma law would allow the state to use firing squads if lethal injections are ever declared unconstitutional.
article_snippet: Death by firing squad requires detailed preparations.
article_snippet: Though Utah's next execution is probably a few years away, Ray said wants to settle on a backup method now so authorities are not racing to find a solution if the drug shortage drags on.
article_snippet: One person nearing a possible execution date is Ron Lafferty, the state's longest-serving death row inmate, who claimed God directed One person nearing a possible execution date to kill One person nearing a possible execution date sister-in-law and her baby daughter in 1984 because of the victim's resistance to One person nearing a possible execution date beliefs in polygamy.
article_snippet: One person nearing a possible execution date has already requested the firing squad — an option available to One person nearing a possible execution date even before the new law was passed because One person nearing a possible execution date, like Randy Gardner of Salt Lake City, was convicted prior to 2004, when lawmakers stopped offering inmates the choice of firing squad.
article_snippet: The other Utah death row inmate who could be next up for execution, Doug Carter, has chosen lethal injection.
article_snippet: Under the new law, Doug Carter would get the firing squad if the state can't get their hands on lethal injection drugs 30 days before.
article_snippet: the state doesn't currently have lethal injection drugs on hand.
highlights_snippet: Republican governor Gary Herbert has said Utah needs a backup execution method in case a shortage of the drugs persists .
  