Legal Commentary

Bloomberg Now Opposes 9/11 Trials in NY Federal Court

By Jeralyn

More whining about anticipated the 9/11 federal criminal trials. Mayor Bloomberg reverses course and now complains about the expense and anticipated traffic jams. And:

Rep. Peter King (R., N.Y.) said he has introduced a bill that would prohibit the use of Justice Department funds to try Guantanamo detainees in federal civilian courts. ...The New York congressman called it "one of the worst decisions ever made by any president," and said terrorist suspects should be tried by military commissions.

Sounds to me the worst decision was NY voters electing Peter King. The trials belong in federal court, New York is the proper venue, federal courts there have successfully dealt with multiple terror trials. As for traffic jams, given that the trials will take months, except on a few days of heightened interest, such as jury selection, opening arguments and closing arguments, it's unlikely they will be a huge draw. Interest in them is likely to wane while the tedious testimony is taken.

Full post as published by TalkLeft on January 28, 2010 (boomark / email).