Ruiz v. Texas, 137 S. Ct. 1246

Supreme Court denies application for stay of execution in Ruiz v. Texas; Justice Breyer dissents.
Rolando Ruiz has been on death row for 22 years, mostly in permanent solitary confinement.
Ruiz contends that execution would violate the Eighth Amendment due to prolonged solitary confinement and associated mental distress.
Lower courts found the 22-year delay largely attributable to the State and lower courts.
The opinion cites concerns about solitary confinement from historical and more recent cases and notes the unusual stress of execution looming.
Breyer’s dissent argues for constitutional scrutiny of extended solitary confinement and would grant a stay to allow fuller review.

Issue	Plaintiff's Argument	Defendant's Argument	Held
Whether extended solitary confinement before execution violates the Eighth Amendment.	Ruiz asserts long-term isolation causes cruel punishment.	Texas contends management of death row does not violate the Amendment.	Stay denied
Whether the 22-year delay before execution constitutes unconstitutional delay under the Eighth Amendment.	Delay exacerbates harm of solitary confinement.	Delay caused by procedural/postconviction processes and state actions.	Stay denied

In re Medley, 134 U.S. 160 (1890) (uncertainty before execution is among the most horrible experiences)
Ruiz v. Quarterman, 504 F.3d 523 (5th Cir. 2007) (delay on death row attributable to state and court proceedings)