The State Department is the primary institution responsible for the execution of diplomacy, although numerous other players, including the Department of Defense, play critical roles.

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As of 2002, the average condemned inmate spent 7.3 years on death row before execution, according to state Corrections Department figures.

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Mr. KEITH ACREE (State Department of Correction, North Carolina): The execution team administered the sedative and the monitor dropped below the reading of 60, which was the threshold here.

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The Justice Department said that McVeigh could, during his last scheduled conversation with his attorney two hours before execution, request the counsel to try to file an appeal.

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