ndmckinney|net

I know I haven’t written anything in over a month. Here’s the quick update:

- I’m a duly sworn member of the Maryland bar
- I have decided to go into the practice of law with a friend of mine
- I am still working on establishing the law office

Outside of my life as a lawyer, I have maintained other interests, too. These include:
- Studying French (on my own)
- Studying Dutch this fall
- Running 4-5 times a week
- Cycling infrequently

Oh, and I have an iPhone as well.

In a Senate hearing yesterday, top military lawyers questioned the validity of President Bush’s military tribunal plan.

For those unaware, the President has proposed moving 14 prisoners from “secret CIA prisons” (the legality of which is highly suspect) to the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (the legality of which is also highly suspect) for trial under a military tribunal (again, highly suspect).

The proposal made by the President offends both the Geneva Conventions and US domestic law, a fact brought up during yesterday’s hearing. The Washington Post article quotes Marine Corps Brigadier General James Walker as saying:

I am not aware of any situation in the world where there is a system of jurisprudence that is recognized by civilized people where an individual can be tried and convicted without seeing the evidence against him…

The senators seem to be convinced by the JAG statements. Republican senators McCain, Hagel, Graham, and Warner all seem to be concerned about the legality of the tribunals. After all, if the people who would be trying the case tell you that the trials will not be fair or even legal, then why proceed?

Traditional notions of substantial justice and fair play should not take a back seat to irrational fears and paranoia about terrorism. To allow such a result is to cause irreparable harm to the American legal system, and that is far more damaging than any act of terror ever could.