September, 08 2008, 02:54pm EDT
Prosecuting Terrorists: The Prosecutors' Perspectives
September 8th, 6:00-7:30 p.m., House of the New York City Bar
NEW YORK
The New York City Bar International Human Rights Committee and Human
Rights First are co-sponsoring a panel discussion with leading federal
prosecutors on the prosecution of terrorism suspects.
Ever since the first detainees began arriving at Guantanamo Bay in
2002, there has been debate about the proper forum in which to
prosecute suspected terrorists. Now, with the conclusion of the first
military commission trial at Guantanamo, the debate is more important
than ever.
Can the United States successfully try accused terrorists in the federal courts or do we need special purpose tribunals?
Over the past fifteen years, zealous prosecutors have tried the
Oklahoma City bombers, the World Trade Center bombers and those
responsible for the destruction of US embassies in East Africa. Some
critics have argued that federal criminal courts are ill-equipped to
handle the challenges posed by international terrorism cases. These
critics either endorse the use of the military commission system or
propose creating "national security courts". Some argue for the power
to detain without criminal charges or trials. What works? What doesn't? Experienced prosecutors share and discuss their varying perspectives.
Where: The House of the New York City Bar, 42 West 44th Street
When: Monday, September 8th, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Who: James J. Benjamin, Jr., Former AUSA; Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
Andrew McCarthy, Former AUSA; led the prosecution against Sheik Omar Abdel Rahman
Mary Jo White, Former US Attorney; Debevoise & Plimpton, LLP
Richard B. Zabel, Former AUSA; Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
Moderated by
Hon. Benjamin Civiletti, Former Attorney General of the United States; Venable LLP
Chaired by
Mark R. Shulman, Pace Law School
This event is free and open to the public.
Human Rights First is a non-profit, nonpartisan international human rights organization based in New York and Washington D.C. Human Rights First believes that building respect for human rights and the rule of law will help ensure the dignity to which every individual is entitled and will stem tyranny, extremism, intolerance, and violence.
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