ACLJ: DOJ Poised to Punish Attys for Legal Arguments; Dangerous Precedent that Could Undermine Nation's Security

(Washington, DC) The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), focusing on constitutional law, said today an internal review in the Department of Justice (DOJ) recommending possible disciplinary action against DOJ attorneys because of their legal arguments is dangerous and would set a troubling precedent that could undermine the nations security. 

News report suggest that an internal DOJ report is likely to recommend that state bar associations consider taking disciplinary action against DOJ attorneys including reprimands and even disbarment because of the legal arguments written about interrogation techniques.

This represents a giant step toward politicizing the nations top law enforcement agency and could undermine the security of this nation in the ongoing war on terrorism, said Jay Sekulow, Chief Counsel of the ACLJ.  The DOJ action would send a troubling message that if you dont embrace the politically-correct legal positions, you will be punished.  The fact is that there is legitimate legal debate about the use of interrogation techniques.  To punish DOJ attorneys for examining legal positions in our war against terrorism is not only wrong but sends a terrible signal that is likely to quash legitimate legal debate inside one of the nations most important agencies.  If this punishment prevails, attorneys inside the DOJ will face a troubling choice either produce legal arguments that support the Obama Administrations position or face serious punishment including possible disbarment.  We must not put our nations top legal advisors in this position.

Led by Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow, the American Center for Law and Justice focuses on constitutional law and is based in Washington, D.C.