Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman recently petitioned a judge to dismiss a case that has blocked the state from enforcing the death penalty. It’s been on hold for 15 years. The legal challenge arose over execution methods and constitutional safeguards against “cruel and unusual” punishment. For many Kentuckians, the death penalty remains an appropriate response by the state in cases of murder. Public safety and punishing criminals is a core function of government. Coleman argues that the death penalty restores an appropriate consequence that’s part of Kentucky’s system of accountability for the most serious crimes. In this case, its up to the Courts to decide whether the legal questions have been resolved. If the answer is yes, the state can proceed with executions.