Posted on Thu, Jun. 29, 2006

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DEATH PENALTY

Bush: Death penalty reviewed

Gov. Jeb Bush said Wednesday that Florida's death penalty is ''under review'' after the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled earlier this month that inmates could file court challenges regarding the use of lethal injection.

At issue: Pensacola cop-killer Clarence Hill's argument that the three-drug cocktail causes pain and is therefore unconstitutionally cruel and unusual. The court, which stopped short of declaring the death penalty unconstitutional, took up the case as Hill was strapped to a gurney with the needle in his arm.

Bush cautioned against making changes, saying Death-Row inmates languish too long in prison due to appeals.

''We're actually waiting for some guidance, too, from the apellate court,'' he said.

-- MARC CAPUTO