Miscellaneous

Magna Carta, Shmagna Shcarta! UK Seeks to Detain Terror Suspects

By Anne Skove, Esq.

Is the Magna Carta part of the western world's legal and cultural heritage, or just a nifty historic document? Should we indulge in ancestor worship or mere ancestor curiosity when it comes to the m.c.?

In the UK, a repeal of sorts is in the works. A 42-day detention of terror suspects, without charge, passed the House of Commons.

The proposition is not without controversy. Shadow Home Secretary David Davis is resigning as MP for Haltemprice and Howden over the issue.

On the pro side, at least one commentator seems to think that judges just don't get it when it comes to fighting terrorism. See The Magna Carta Question, Michael White, The Guardian (June 11, 2008).

The legislation still must jump over the House of Lords hurdle, and would still be open to interpretation by the courts.

See Britain's 42-Day Detention: Draconian or Necessary? Mark Trevelyan, Reuters Blogs (June 12, 2008), and Davis Resigns as MP to Take a Stand, This Is Hull and East Riding (June 12, 2008).

See also Magna Carta -- It's All Arrant Nonsense, Michael Gove, The Times (June 9, 2008).

Full post as published by court-o-rama.org on June 12, 2008 (boomark / email).