Ronald Smith, Canadian on death row, challenges Montana's execution methods

A constitutional challenge to Montana's executionmethods could have a direct impact on a Canadian on death row in theU.S. state.

Lawyers for two death-row inmates, including Ronald Smith of RedDeer, Alta., are in a Helena courtroom arguing that a sedativecalled for under Montana's lethal injection protocols could lead toan "excruciating and terrifying" death.

Ron Waterman of the American Civil Liberties Union says the drugdoesn't adhere to a state law requiring an "ultra-fast-acting"barbiturate be used.

The hearing is set for two days and Judge Jeffrey Sherlock isexpected to reserve his decision.

Smith has been on death row in Montana since 1983 for the murderof two young men after he was bingeing on drugs and alcohol.

He originally requested he be executed, but later changed hismind and has been fighting to stay alive ever since.