In a new act passed by the Senate, matters of domestic terror are now under the discipline of the U.S. military. The National Defense Authorization Act stipulates that anyone—American citizen or not—suspected of terrorist activity can be held in indefinite detention.
This new act seems to nullify the 6th Amendment—the one that guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury. Under the National Defense Authorization Act, those suspected of terrorism can be hold for an indefinite amount of time without ever being afforded a trial.
Many cry out that this act is wholly unconstitutional and sets a terrifying precedent for the rights of American citizens.
President Obama has already urged lawmakers to make changes to the bill and has threatened a veto if significant changes are not made. The White house issued a statement saying that it could not accept legislation that “challenges or constrains the president’s authorities to collect intelligence, incapacitate dangerous terrorists and protect the nation.” The Obama administration stresses a need for flexibility in combating terrorism, while the Republican seats counter that such measures are necessary for post-9/11 America.
One thing’s for sure… If you’re suspected of terrorist activity, you need a good criminal defense attorney ASAP.
