Aug. 2nd, 2006

scottopic: (the hate camel.)
White House Proposal Would Expand Authority of Military Courts
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/01/AR2006080101334.html

Highlighted quotes, retained within context as much as possible. YOU MAY WANT TO READ THIS.

The plan, which would replace a military trial system ruled illegal by the Supreme Court in June, would also allow the secretary of defense to add crimes at will to those under the military court's jurisdiction.


Under the proposed procedures, defendants would lack rights to confront accusers, exclude hearsay accusations, or bar evidence obtained through rough or coercive interrogations. They would not be guaranteed a public or speedy trial and would lack the right to choose their military counsel, who in turn would not be guaranteed equal access to evidence held by prosecutors.

Detainees would also not be guaranteed the right to be present at their own trials, if their absence is deemed necessary to protect national security or individuals.


It gives the secretary the unilateral right to "specify other violations of the laws of war that may be tried by military commission." The secretary would be empowered to prescribe detailed procedures for carrying out the trials, including "modes of proof" and the use of hearsay evidence.


The U.S. official countered that a military judge "would look hard" at the origins of such evidence and that defendants would have to count on "the trustworthiness of the system."

To secure a death penalty under the draft legislation, at least five jurors must agree, two fewer than under the administration's earlier plan. Courts-martial and federal civilian trials require that 12 jurors agree.


Emphasis/bold mine.
Go back to bed, America!

Rationalizations for expediency over liberties in 3..2..1...

Profile

scottopic: (Default)
scottopic

August 2017

S M T W T F S
   12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
27282930 31  

Most Popular Tags

Style Credit

Expand Cut Tags

No cut tags
Page generated Sep. 7th, 2025 11:59 pm
Powered by Dreamwidth Studios