Inside the Secret Machinery of Lethal Injection with Corinna Lain

Faithful Politics

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Since 1977, lethal injection has been portrayed as the most humane way to execute someone—but what if that’s a myth? In this episode, legal scholar and death penalty expert Corinna Lain joins host Will Wright to expose what really happens inside America’s execution chambers. From botched executions and hidden medical procedures to falsified prescriptions and black market drugs, Lain’s new book, Secrets of the Killing State, reveals a justice system cloaked in secrecy. She recounts the chilling story of Clayton Lockett’s 2014 execution, explains why so many lethal injections go wrong, and explores the hidden psychological toll on prison staff. We also examine the racial disparities in capital punishment and ask: does the state truly deserve the power to kill?
👤 Guest Bio:
Corinna Barrett Lain is a law professor and legal historian who has spent over 15 years researching the death penalty. Her latest book, Secrets of the Killing State: The Untold Story of Lethal Injection, investigates how executions are carried out in the U.S.—and the secrecy surrounding them. Lain’s work has been cited in top legal journals, and she’s a frequent speaker on issues related to criminal justice, ethics, and constitutional law.
🔗 Resources & Links:
📘 Secrets of the Killing State by Corinna Lain: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9781479832965
🖥️ Corinna Lain’s website & tour dates: corinnalain.com
Related Episode: [Coming Soon – Beyond the Echo Chamber: “The Hidden Truths of Lethal Injection”] https://youtube.com/live/_dNOs1E2i4U?feature=share
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Chapters

1. Inside the Secret Machinery of Lethal Injection with Corinna Lain (00:00:00)

2. [Ad] Make It Make Sense with Grant Hermes (00:10:08)

3. (Cont.) Inside the Secret Machinery of Lethal Injection with Corinna Lain (00:10:48)