Oh there’s a point all right

"We don't know whether it is worth us proceeding at all, candidly, under the ruling you made today. Without some relief, frankly, I think that there's no point for us to go forward."

Those are the words of Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Spencer, in reference to Judge Leonie Brinkema’s barring of seven witnesses and all aviation security evidence from the trial of Zacarias Moussaoui. Brinkema ruled the evidence was tainted beyond repair by improper actions among the prosecution team.

I am no lawyer. I did once make a boy cry in a high school mock trial, and I did set the curve in planning law class in college, but nevertheless, I am no lawyer, and this is complicated stuff. But assuming the judge’s application of law here is correct, I see two very important points.

First, here is further evidence that this administration thinks it is above the law and can do whatever it pleases.

Second, that despite lying and swindling their way into control of all three branches of government, here is evidence that this administration is not, in fact, above the law and that our legal system does, in fact, still function. If it takes sending a 9/11 conspirator to prison for life instead of executing him to know that, it’s a trade I’m willing to make.

Tags: politics