As an editorial writer for the Star Tribune in Minneapolis, I?m eager for
guidance/short comments from legal scholars on yesterday?s decision by a federal
judge to halt the trial of confessed Al-Qaida conspirator Zacarias Moussaoui. As
news stories (http://www.startribune.com/484/story/303526.html) explain, the
judge has ordered an inquiry of whether a government lawyer?s coaching of likely
FAA witnesses warrants dismissal of the case. Is the judge on target, and if the
inquiry confirms serious witness tampering should the case be dumped? How can I
explain to skeptical readers the constitutional basis ? and the social value ?
of such a move? Does this snafu, and its possible result, cast any light
on/share any parallels with the federal government?s apparent willingness to
limit civil liberties as it pursues the ?war on terrorism?? I welcome any
e-mailed comments ? a short paragraph will do ? that can be sent by 2:30 p.m.
CST. Sorry, but that?s my deadline! Thanks, Kate !
Stanley, Minneapolis. kstanley@startribune.com