A Florida death row inmate who claims the chemicals that the state uses for execution causes pain, therefore making the process "cruel and unusual" punishment, was granted a delay in his execution by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Clarence Hill, convicted of shooting to death a police officer during a robbery of a Pensacola bank in 1982, was given a stay Tuesday about an hour before he was scheduled to be executed.

Justice Anthony M. Kennedy delayed the execution "pending further order" to give the court time to review three stay requests in Hill's case. Hill also claims that he is mentally retarded.

The high court could rule later today on the status of Hill's execution.

See Also:
U.S. Supreme Court Blocks Florida Execution
Significant Events in Clarence Hill Case

More Information:
The Death Penalty

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