A Senate bill proposes to gut habeas rights

Article Abstract:

A bill introduced in Congress by senators Orrin Hatch and Arlen Specter would go much further than the Rehnquist Supreme Court has in restricting the writ of habeas corpus, especially in death-sentence cases. The court has relentlessly cut back in the prior breadth and impact of habeas, but S 623 and its counterpart HR 729 would essentially gut habeas corpus and render meaningless federal protection from constitutional abuses. Federal judges can be more impartial than their state counterparts because the latter must stand for reelection.

Political activity, Political aspects, Habeas corpus, Hatch, Orrin G., Specter, Arlen

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Congress robs its own of due process rights

Article Abstract:

Congress effectively denied Sen Bob Packwood and, six years ago, then-House Speaker Jim Wright their due process rights in pressing them to quit without a hearing on ethics accusations against them. Other actions by committees rob members of similar rights, for example applying ex post facto a rule against proxy voting. Few might at first blush defend those at the pinnacle of power, but if those in Congress see their rights eroded by political expediency, they will be more likely to sacrifice the rights of others.

Analysis, Investigations, Ethical aspects, United States. Congress, Political ethics, Due process of law

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Support this bill

Article Abstract:

Alabama's Senator Richard Shelby ought to reconsider his opposition to the Brady Bill in the wake of the firearm murder of an aide. The 25-year-old aide, whom Shelby had known all his life, was shot on Jan 11, 1992, in Washington, DC. Shelby is wrong to think that society is powerless to prevent such violence. The Brady Bill, which would impose a five day waiting period on all purchases of handguns, would at least make it more difficult for criminals to obtain handguns.

Editorial, Laws, regulations and rules, Social policy, Pistols, Shelby, Richard

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