The U.S. Supreme Court has announced that it will hear the case of Jose Padilla. Padilla, an American citizen, was arrested after returning to the U.S. from Pakistan, accused of plotting a “dirty bomb” attack, and has been held without trial as an enemy combatant.
The court’s ruling, expected in the summer, could potentially effect the Bush administration policy of holding some suspected terrorists in military custody without trial.
The Padilla case is considered particularly noteworthy because he was captured on U.S. soil and was initially charged with crimes in the civilian court system. Later, he was taken into military custody.
The Bush administration contends that it was acting within its authority in the name of national security. Opponents believe that Padilla, even as a potential threat to security, has a constitutional right to a fair trial and due process.
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