The South Carolina Supreme Court says all three of the state's capitol punishment methods are constitutional, including the firing squad, and that executions may proceed as scheduled.
In a nearly 100-page opinion, the court upheld the firing squad, the electric chair and lethal injection. All five justices agreed with at least part of the ruling, opening the door to restart executions on hold since 2011.
The opinion came in response to a challenge by four death-row inmates. They sued the state when they were told to decide between death by electrocution or firing squad when the prison system's supply of lethal injection drugs ran out or expired.
Governor McMaster's response to the ruling says, "The Supreme Court has rightfully upheld the rule of law...another step in ensuring that lawful sentences can be duly enforced, and the families and loved ones of the victims receive the closure and justice they have long awaited."
Today is Chief Justice Don Beatty's last day on the bench. He has reached the mandatory retirement age of 72.
