Stephen Michael West, et al v. Derrick D. Schofield, et al

Case Number
M2014-00320-SC-R11-CV

We granted the State of Tennessee permission to appeal from the Court of Appeals’ decision on interlocutory appeal in which the intermediate appellate court affirmed the trial court’s order compelling discovery in this declaratory judgment action. The Plaintiffs are seeking a declaration that the lethal injection protocol in place for the execution of convicted criminal defendants sentenced to death is unconstitutional. In conjunction with pursuing their claim, the Plaintiffs sought to discover the identity of persons involved in facilitating and carrying out executions. Over the State’s objection, the trial court ordered the State to provide these identities to the Plaintiffs, and the Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court’s order. Upon due consideration, we reverse and remand this matter for further proceedings consistent with this Opinion and in compliance with the timelines set forth in the judgment order filed contemporaneously with this Opinion.

Authoring Judge
Justice Jeffrey S. Bivins
Originating Judge
Chancellor Claudia C. Bonnyman
Case Name
Stephen Michael West, et al v. Derrick D. Schofield, et al
Date Filed
Dissent or Concur
No
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