Attorneys are asking a federal court to rule on whether Joseph Corcoran’s spiritual advisor can have physical contact with him during his execution next week.
Last week, the Indiana Department of Correction rejected a request that Corcoran’s minister be allowed to place his hand on Corcoran’s shoulder or hold his hand until the execution is finished.
A letter from an attorney representing the state said policy requires that all visits with Corcoran end by 6 p.m. the day before the execution.
Monday’s court filing says Corcoran has known his spiritual advisor since he was a child and is a lifelong practicing Christian.
Corcoran, a convicted murderer, is scheduled to be executed before sunrise Dec. 18 at the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City.