Bill Lee: “The ongoing tragedy of course in Japan really is an example of our obligation to demonstrate leadership”

I hope that Tennessee governor Bill Lee’s decision to postpone the last execution scheduled for this year will give lawmakers time to consider the subject seriously.

I have ordered a pause on all executions for the remainder of the year.

So far as we know, the Department of Correction followed exactly the protocol that was outlined and vetted and approved by the attorney general’s office.

The people of Tennessee have determined that the death penalty is the appropriate penalty for the most heinous crimes in the state.