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RULE OF LAW 1, BUSH ADMIN 0

Looks like Bush & Co. lost a big one today.
A federal judge ordered the Bush administration Monday to either charge terrorism suspect Jose Padilla with a crime or release him after more than 2 1/2 years in custody.

The government contends Padilla was planning an atack with a “dirty bomb” radiological device.

“The court finds that the president has no power, neither express nor implied, neither constitutional nor statutory, to hold petitioner as an enemy combatant,” Floyd wrote in a 23-page opinion that was a stern rebuke to the government. Floyd, appointed by Bush in 2003, gave the administration 45 days to take action.

Remember that one of the things that drove Americans to revolt against British rule was the King's unchecked authority - including the ability to detain citizens at will. Our Founding Fathers disgust with unchecked executive authority in criminal and civil prosecutions was so profound that half of the amendments in the Bill of Rights, Amendments IV thru VIII, addressed this issue.

For those of you rusty on your Amendments to the U.S. Constitution:

Amendment IV The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.

Amendment VII
In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Thankfully, in addition to these amendments, Madison built a series of checks and balances into our constitutional system. He knew that no system would be perfect, and that at times men who could not be trusted would hold office. "Faction against faction" was to be a guarantee against tyranny.

Today, the system that Madison built once again worked to perfection. And once again, our nation's debt to Madison and his ideas grows.


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