Thursday, February 14, 2008
Brigitte Manos: "People who are a serious threat to the government should be able to be held in prison without being charged."
I disagrgee with this statement. I believe that people should have the right to be told their charge and be tried. In Amendment VI it states, "In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial..." Sadly however, this amendment is not always followed. Guantanamo bay is an example where the government of the United States does not follow the sixth amendment. At Guantanamo Bay, they deny the "criminals" the right to a trial. This is unconstitutional and should not be allowed. Therefore, I disagree with this statement.
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7 comments:
I agree with your point, that people deserve to have a trial, but I interpreted this quote differently than you. I thought it meant that people who are a "serious threat" can be held without actually being charged of committing a crime. However, this makes me wonder what the government classifies as a "serious threat". That term is pretty broad, and could be used to the government's advantage. If they defined exactly what actions made you a "serious threat" I think it would stand more valid. But you're right in that it is unfortunate that people don't always recieve what they deserve.
-Laura
I agree with you Briggite. How can we know that they are a serious threat to us if we haven't had them properly charged yet? Without having them charged with a crime in court, there is actually no proof to us that they are indeed a threat to the country. Without proper observance to Habeas Corpus, the whole judicial system would fall apart.
That last one is Max David's!
I definitely agree. You should always have the right to be told what you are being charged with and have a trial, no matter the circumstances. Like you said, it's in an amendment. Also, who is a serious threat? Whomever the government decides is one. That why the government needs to charge the person with a crime, they can't go around putting suspicious people in jail for looking suspicious.
Megan Flood
i agree with you on a constitutional basis and on a moral basis, but realistically, i think the answer is not so clear. What is the government supposed to do with a dangerous person, just let them go?
dang it, i keep forgetting to write my name. the above comment is from Neil.
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