Section 15-18-83 — Persons who may be present at execution.


(a) The following persons may be present at an execution and none other:

(1) The executioner and any persons necessary to assist in conducting the execution.

(2) The Commissioner of Corrections or his or her representative.

(3) Two physicians, including the prison physician.

(4) The spiritual advisor of the condemned.

(5) The chaplain of Holman Prison.

(6) Such newspaper reporters as may be admitted by the warden.

(7) Any of the relatives or friends of the condemned person that he or she may request, not exceeding two in number.

(8) Any of the immediate family of the victim, not to exceed two in number; provided that if there was more than one victim, the number and manner of selection of victims' representatives shall be as determined by the Commissioner of Corrections.

(b) No convict shall be permitted by the prison authorities to witness the execution.

(Acts 1923, No. 587, p. 759; Code 1923, §5315; Code 1940, T. 15, §349; Acts 1971, No. 2360, p. 3792; Acts 1996, No. 96-670, p. 1134, §1.)