Speedy Trial Will Be a Key Issue for Terror Suspects.

Posted By Cliff Tuttle | January 12, 2010

Posted by Cliff Tuttle (c) 2010

SUMMARY:  Terror defendants are asserting the Constitutional right to a speedy trial.

The New York Times has reported that the issue of whether Guantanamo detainees can be tried at all is presented in the trial of Ahmed Khalfan Ghailani, accused conspirator in the al Kaida bombing of two American embassies in East Africa.  Ghailani was, among other things, a body guard of Osama Bin Laden.  Ghailani has been in detention for over five years, during which time he has been under interrogation, sometimes intense, which has reportedly yielded much valuable intelligence. Part of the disincentive to rush to trial is that much if not most of the evidence is classified.

The same issue is expected to be raised when Khalid Sheik Mohammed, an alleged planner of the 9/11 attacks, is brought to trial.  Look for the terrorist speedy trial issue to end up in the Supreme Court a few years from now, probably after these and other cases have been consolidated.

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CLIFF TUTTLE has been a Pennsylvania lawyer for over 45 years and (inter alia) is a real estate litigator and legal writer. The posts in this blog are intended to provide general information about legal topics of interest to lawyers and consumers with a Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania focus. However, this information does not constitute legal advice and there is no lawyer-client relationship created when you read this blog. You are encouraged to leave comments but be aware that posted comments can be read by others. If you wish to contact me in privacy, please use the Contact Form located immediately below this message. I will reply promptly and in strict confidence.

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