Repub's "Judiciary Package" To Strip Habeas Corpus Rights From US Citizens

[kpete]

Habeas Repeal Measures Increase Threat of Wrongful Convictions

UPDATE (9/25): As Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA) holds a hearing today to examine proposals to limit Guantanamo detainees' access to habeas corpus review, other members of the Republican leadership are trying to strip away this right for U.S. citizens convicted of crimes. With only days left before Congress adjourns for mid-term elections, some members of Congress continue to skirt regular order in an attempt to attach widely-criticized habeas repeal measures to unrelated legislation. While attempts to keep these unpopular measures off the DOD bill were initially unsuccessful, House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL) is now insisting that a controversial "judiciary package" of crime legislation, which includes habeas-stripping measures, be attached to the DOD bill. We are also keeping an eye on another possible vehicle for the judiciary package -- the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, which is presently in conference and will likely be finalized in the coming days.

In addition to promulgating measures from the failed Streamlined Procedures Act, some of the current habeas-repeal proposals also contain dangerous new provisions. For example, one measure being considered strips federal courts of their jurisdiction to hear any sentencing claims whatsoever. During the past several years, the Supreme Court has correctly reversed a number of death sentences because of egregious sentencing errors, such as hapless representation by defense counsel and prosecutors who broke the law and suppressed vital information that should have been made available to the defense.

much more at:
http://www.thejusticeproject.org/national/habeas/

[Solly Mack]

1. Color me surprised

snort

[bbgrunt]

2. k and r

[brokensymmetry]

3. Why not just issue slave collars now? k&r

Can they not see the path they're taking us on?

If not, they are blind. If they can - then they
are truly evil.

[TexasLawyer]

4. This is insanity

I want my country back!

[WCGreen]

5. To me, this signals that they are desperate and

need to get this stuff out and on the presidents desk before the Dem's take 'em down in November....

[Jack Rabbit]

6. Article 1, section 9

Please click here.

The privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.

Special note to GOP members of the House and Setate: Learn to read.

[Rex]

11. So if they nullify it, does that mean America is in a rebellion?

No way can they get away with the invasion stuff, unless they link it to 911 in some way.

[Jack Rabbit]

13. I'll plead the fifth on your question, while I still can.

I'm wondering if they're trying to put some kind of poison pill in there own legislation so that it won't pass. This is so strong that one would have to wonder if the Republicans can hang together on this.

[Rex]

7. I was wondering how they would get around cruel and unusual punishment.

Looks like they found a way.

[tblue]

8. Doesn't it seem like the Repubs are just daring the Democrats to

filibuster?

If not now, when?

[leftchick]

15. when?

try never?

[Wilms]

9. We're numb. n/t

[madmusic]

10. That was their goal all along.

The want ALL power in the executive, prosecution and president. Fuck everyone else.

K&R

[Dem2theMax]

12. This makes me absolutely ill.

:kick: so others will see this.

[AzDar]

14. Kick (for what remains of our Country).... n/t

:kick: