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Judge: Missouri Broke Law Keeping Execution Supplier Secret

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A circuit judge has ruled that Missouri violated open records laws by refusing to disclose the pharmacies that make the state's execution drug.

Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem ruled Wednesday that the Department of Corrections broke the Sunshine Law.

The Attorney General's Office represents the state and says they are reviewing the ruling.

The American Civil Liberties Union, Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and reporter Chris McDaniel of St. Louis Public Radio sued. They were denied records requests about the pharmacies and laboratories involved in making execution drugs.

The state argued the pharmacy is a part of the execution team. Those members' identities are confidential.

Beetem said the agency overstepped its authority by naming the pharmacy a part of the execution team, so the records are open.

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