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Arkansas Says Death Row Inmates Not Entitled To New Hearing

Arkansas Supreme Court

Government lawyers want Arkansas' highest court to turn down a request that it take another look at a decision upholding broad secrecy provisions in the state's lethal injection law.

The Arkansas Supreme Court ruled last month it was OK for the Department of Correction to conceal the maker, seller and other information about execution drugs. Eight inmates in line for Arkansas' first executions since 2005 asked the court to reconsider its 4-3 decision.

The inmates say the Arkansas Constitution requires the release of detailed information about state expenditures and that legislators lack the authority to change that.

In a reply Thursday, state lawyers said further court proceedings, including a possible challenge to the U.S. Supreme Court, would be frivolous.

Executions are on hold while the inmates' request is pending.

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