[Pacg] Take Action to Protect Habeas corpus

[Carolina 1961]

PACG Civil Rights Forum:

*Action Alert*

>From Brian Farell who represented the Pleasant Valley people in the *Misfit*'s
case for no fee...

As you may know, last year Congress passed a law saying that "enemy
combatants" no longer have the right to habeas corpus.  Habeas corpus is a
review by an independent, civillian court to determine whether a person is
being detained for lawful reasons.  It seems to me that one of the most
important principles our country is founded on is that everyone - no matter
how terrible - should have access to the courts.  (It should be noted that
no enemy combatant had been released via habeas corpus; apparently the
administration simply didn't want anyone even reviewing its actions.)

Because the constitution says the right to habeas corpus can't be suspended,
it's not even clear whether Congress's action last year is constitutional -
the Suprme Court hasn't addressed the issue yet.  However, there is now a
bill in Congress that would restore the right to habeas corpus.  Senator
Harkin has pleged his support, but it is unclear whether Senator Grassley
will also support the bill.  Because he is generally a conscientious, common
sense type of legislator, I think that there is a chance he would do so, but
only if he hears from his constituents.

PLEASE consider making a call to Senator Grassley's office.  A bit about the
amendment and his contact information can be found at:
http://restore-habeas.org/whip/?q=IA
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