The restrictions would be the first on an inmate's final statement since Ohio resumed executions in 1999.
'The warden may impose reasonable restrictions on the content and length of the statement,' the new rules say. 'The warden may also terminate a statement that he or she believes is intentionally offensive to the witness.'
The Department of Rehabilitation and Correction did not have a problem with the length or subject matter of Michael Beuke's comments in May, but decided to revisit the rules because of the potential for future problems, said spokesman Julie Walburn.
'It's not our intention to use this restriction without regard to the impact,' Ms Walburn said. 'It will certainly be something we use carefully. We've never used it yet, and if we do, it's something we would do carefully and in a thoughtful manner.'
Ohio allowed for unlimited statements after a 1999 lawsuit challenged the policy in place at the time, which permitted only a written statement to be read after an inmate's death. Kentucky and Washington both impose a two-minute limit, while California's protocols allow 'a brief final statement.'http://www.straitstimes.c...ory/STIStory_604972.html


