Florida Court Reviews Execution of Obese Inmate Tanzi

Michael Tanzi, a death row inmate in Florida, is seeking leniency from execution due to his severe health conditions, including morbid obesity and chronic sciatica. Tanzi argues that the existing lethal injection protocols do not account for his medical issues, potentially leading to a botched execution and violating the Eighth Amendment's ban on cruel and unusual punishment. His legal team highlights potential complications such as inadequate sedation and difficulties with intravenous line placement. Florida's Attorney General rejected Tanzi's appeal, stating that he failed to show how the lethal injection protocol infringes upon constitutional rights and criticized the timing of the appeal. Despite the state's response, Tanzi's lawyers have filed motions to the Florida Supreme Court to reconsider the execution, emphasizing the risk of needless suffering. The court is currently deliberating on whether to halt the execution, scheduled for April 8.