Attorneys Ask Supreme Court to Restore the Right to Habeas Corpus for Guantanamo Prisoners

We’re broadcasting from Washington, D.C., where the Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in a case challenging the Bush administration’s jailing of hundreds of Guantanamo prisoners without charge or trial. At issue was an appeals court ruling denying prisoners the writ of habeas corpus—the right to challenge their imprisonment before a judge. Lawyers for the prisoners argue the ruling is unconstitutional and the Bush administration”s military tribunal system an inadequate alternative.

The session marked the third time since 2004 the Supreme Court took up a challenge to Guantanamo detentions. The Court ruled against the Bush administration both previous times. In 2004, the court said federal courts have jurisdiction over cases filed from Guantanamo. Two years later, the court struck down the Bush administration”s initial military tribunal system for trying selected prisoners. That decision led to the establishment of a new tribunal system endorsed by Congress just over a year ago.

Representing the prisoners was Seth Waxman, the former Solicitor General under President Bill Clinton. In his opening statement, Waxman said Guantanamo prisoners are being denied their basic legal rights.

For more on the Supreme Court hearing I am joined by Vincent Warren. He is Executive Director of the Center for Constitutional Rights, a group representing Guantanamo prisoners.

Vincent Warren, Executive Director of the New York-based Center for Constitutional Rights.

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