Two justice systems

Congress has now created two systems of justice in America with the passage of "A bill to authorize trial by military commission for violations of the law of war, and for other purposes."

From The Washington Post:

Included in the bill, passed by Republican majorities in the Senate yesterday and the House on Wednesday, are unique rules that bar terrorism suspects from challenging their detention or treatment through traditional habeas corpus petitions. They allow prosecutors, under certain conditions, to use evidence collected through hearsay or coercion to seek criminal convictions.

The bill rejects the right to a speedy trial and limits the traditional right to self-representation by requiring that defendants accept military defense attorneys. Panels of military officers need not reach unanimous agreement to win convictions, except in death penalty cases, and appeals must go through a second military panel before reaching a federal civilian court.

If the Bush toadies are this willing to deny basic human rights, what makes us think they won't expand this abomination to their political rivals.

Too much of a stretch for you?

Two justice systems

Congress has now created two systems of justice in America with the passage of "A bill to authorize trial by military commission for violations of the law of war, and for other purposes."

From The Washington Post:

Included in the bill, passed by Republican majorities in the Senate yesterday and the House on Wednesday, are unique rules that bar terrorism suspects from challenging their detention or treatment through traditional habeas corpus petitions. They allow prosecutors, under certain conditions, to use evidence collected through hearsay or coercion to seek criminal convictions.

The bill rejects the right to a speedy trial and limits the traditional right to self-representation by requiring that defendants accept military defense attorneys. Panels of military officers need not reach unanimous agreement to win convictions, except in death penalty cases, and appeals must go through a second military panel before reaching a federal civilian court.

If the Bush toadies are this willing to deny basic human rights, what makes us think they won't expand this abomination to their political rivals.

Too much of a stretch for you?