Chicago Council of Lawyers policy statement on Military Commissions in trials of Guatanamo detainees
E-Alert from the Chicago Council of Lawyers

14 Sept 2006

 Urgent Message from Council President, Carrie Huff

The Council sent yesterday the letter and position statement that can be found on our website to 14 senators and congressmen, recommending essentially that procedures equivalent to those in the Uniform Code of Military Justice be required of any Military Commissions established to try Guantanamo detainees accused of war crimes. We also urged legislators to vigorously oppose any legislation that would strip the federal courts of jurisdiction over pending habeas petitions filed by Guantanamo detainees.

I urge all members of the Council to fax or e-mail their senators and representatives TODAY specifically requesting that they oppose any bills that contain habeas-stripping provisions. This matter is URGENT, as the issue is currently under consideration and may be determined as early as the end of this week.

Carrie K. Huff
President, Chicago Council of Lawyers