A University of Nebraska law professor says two factors increase the likelihood Nebraska will carry out its first execution since 1997.

Eric Berger points out the state is pushing for an execution date and Carey Dean Moore is no longer putting up a legal fight, which increases the likelihood the Nebraska Supreme Court will agree to the state’s request for a July execution date.

Berger says some legal questions remain unanswered about the state death penalty procedure.

The state is pushing for a July 10th execution date.