Legal News

Appeals court blocks 'torture flights' suit

By Richard Binder

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 6-5 in favor of dismissing a lawsuit against Jeppesen Dataplan, a San Jose-based Boeing subsidiary accused of flying suspected terrorists to foreign countries for the purpose of being subjected to extreme interrogation tactics. It was alleged by the ACLU that the company was under contract with the U.S. government.

The Obama administration, like the George W. Bush administration before it, invoked the state secrets argument, claiming that confirming or denying Jeppesen's relationship with the CIA may result in the revelation of classified information. In writing for the majority, 9th Circuit Judge Raymond Fisher said, "Whether or not Jeppesen provided logistical support in connection with the extraordinary rendition and interrogation programs, there is precious little Jeppesen could say about its relevant conduct and knowledge without revealing information about how the United States government does or does not conduct covert operations."

Ben Wizner, a laywer with the ACLU, says they will appeal today's decision.

Click these for details.

Shaun Martin has some analysis here.

Full post as published by Legal Pad | LA on September 08, 2010 (boomark / email).