Keep Terrorists Out of Civilian Courts

We're working with Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and supporting his upcoming legislation that would prohibit the terrorists now in custody in Cuba from being tried in civilian courts in this country. 

The fact is that putting these terrorists on trial in federal court in New York - or any other U.S. city - is very troubling. 

President Obama's decision to take the worst of the worst the terrorists responsible for the tragedy of 9/11 take them out of the military justice system and put them in federal court is not only a bad decision - it is dangerous and threatens our nation's ongoing war against terrorism.

Moving terrorists to civilian courts will empower terrorists with rights afforded only to U.S. citizens.  Such a move would limit and even exclude important evidence against the terrorists place our intelligence gathering techniques at risk and even give terrorists a platform to spew hate and incite more violence.  You can read more about the dangers of opening-up the civilian court system to terrorists here.

In fact, this weekend, one of the attorneys representing the 9/11 terrorist admitted that the terrorists plan to use the civilian trials as a platform.  He told reporters that the terrorists will plead not guilty and use the civilian trials as a platform to air their criticisms of U.S. foreign policy.

That's exactly why Sen. Graham's legislation is needed.  Sen. Graham told me in an interview for my radio show that the dangers facing America if the trials move forward in federal court are very real and very serious.  And Sen. Graham is planning to move forward soon to introduce this important measure in the Senate.  

I have assigned a legal team to review this issue thoroughly and to compile a legal memo that will be distributed to members of the Senate - a memo that underscores the constitutionality of Sen. Graham's measure and the need to keep terrorists out of the civilian court system.

We're also sending a powerful message to the Senate - as thousands already have signed on supporting Sen. Graham's efforts. Please take a moment to add your name to our petition here.  And, as always we'll bring you the very latest on this issue on Jay Sekulow Live!