Supreme Court clears way for first federal execution in 17 years

The US Supreme Court has cleared the way for the first executions of federal prisoners in 17 years.

Several executions were delayed after a judge ruled on Monday that there were still unresolved legal challenges against the justice department.

Among those facing the death penalty is triple murderer Daniel Lewis Lee, who was due to be executed on Monday.

The condemned prisoners have argued that lethal injections constitute cruel and unusual punishments.

The Supreme Court voted 5-4 that executions may proceed as planned.