Article 19.

Execution.

§ 15-187.  Death penalty.

Any person convicted of a criminal offense and sentenced to death shall be executed in accordance with G.S. 15-188 and the remainder of this Article. The default method of executing a death sentence shall be as described in G.S. 15-188(a). However, if the method adopted in G.S. 15-188(a) is declared unconstitutional by a North Carolina court of competent jurisdiction then the provisions in G.S. 15-188(b) shall apply. The warden of Central Prison may obtain and employ the drugs and equipment necessary to carry out the provisions of this Article, regardless of contrary provisions in Chapter 90 of the General Statutes; however, if the method of executing a death under G.S. 15-188(a) is unavailable for any other reason, then the provisions in G.S. 15-188(b) shall apply.  (1909, ch. 443, s. 1; C.S., s. 4657; 1935, c. 294, s. 1; 1983, c. 678, ss. 1, 4; 1998-212, s. 17.22(a); 2015-198, s. 5; 2025-93, s. 6.5(a).)