Title: Why does it take so long to execute someone on death row? - Quora
Headings: Why does it take so long to execute someone on death row?
Why does it take so long to execute someone on death row?
Jamie Scoverski
Quora User
Ming Chun
Rihan Chowdhury

Content: Working on capital cases in this state I would say that the average time for the case to get to trial if all goes smoothly is three years. In some of the rural counties 4 years are not uncommon. Capital murder trials are not like any other case because of the potential outcome. So assuming that the defendant is caught right away and the person gets to trial in 3 years , plus normally a week for the trial, and sentencing recommendation of the jury. Add to that probably 2 to 3 months before the actual sentencing and then he is sent to Department of Corrections. At that point two things are filed. First the defendant will file what is known in Alabama is a faulty assistance of counsel, or Rule 32. This has to be filed within 30 days of the sentencing. The second thing is a notice to appeal the case to the Alabama Criminal Court of Appeals within 42 days of the conviction. At that point it takes some time for the court reporter to transcribe the court record and any necessary documents and forward them to the clerk of the court of Criminal Appeals.