The “Great Writ†of habeas corpus is a fundamental right in the Constitution that protects against unlawful and indefinite imprisonment. Translated from Latin it means “show me the body.†It has historically been an important instrument to safeguard individual freedom against arbitrary executive power.
The neocons, aided and abetted by Democrats, have vanished Habeus Corpus, and he’s been MIA for some time now. Maybe it was another of those “extraordinary rendition” kidnappings followed by torture?
Drinking Liberally in New Milford has some leads on where he might be.
I kind of went with an all Habeas Corpus theme today. It pisses me off to see some candidates use this as an election issue when they should have restored Habeas Corpus right after they voted on a timetable for bringing the soldiers back from Iraq. Oh wait! They haven’t done that either.
Needless to say, thanks for the linkage! But, given the importance of the cause, I am happier that you are fighting for many of the same issues that I am.
They aren’t Democratic or Republican issues, they are American issues.
I see the disappearing of Habeus Corpus as a logical extension of the policy of property seizure upon being charged with (not convicted of) an offense, which began under Reagan.
This, I believe, is an outgrowth of the concept of “nuisance” statutes, or “violations” (like speeding), in which you are guilty until proven innocent (and sometimes not entitled to a trial at all), justified by calling them an “infraction” or “regulatory offense” rather than a crime.
The right of being innocent until proven guilty has been gradually chipped away…
I have to say that i had never thought of it thatway DJ. Astute observation. And as a side note to Bob: I love the Anti-spam words you have. I got “impeach” this time. heh