Civil Liberties in Crossfire in the War on Terror

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President Bush wants suspected terrorists tried by secret, military tribunals instead of American courts, without appeal and only the President deciding who goes to trial. Meanwhile, with hundreds already under detention, anonymously and without being formally charged, the Justice Department plans to begin eavesdropping on prisoners and their attorneys. While some find such measures unconstitutional and un-American, others defend them in times of war. We speak with attorneys and civil libertarians about constitutional freedoms and the civil rights of suspects as America pursues its war on terrorism. Newsmaker: Accord Reached for US Control of Airport Safety - The Congress has passed a stringent airport security bill, that creates a new federal agency and put federal employees in charge of screening. Gerald Kauvar, staff director of a 1997 White House Commission on aviation safety and security, has doubts about whether this newest law will really make America's airways safer. Reporter's Notebook: Ramadan Begins - Billions of Muslims throughout the world, including 2 to 6 million here in the US, are beginning the celebration of Ramadan. Usman Mahda, community lliaison for the King Fahd Mosque in Culver City, California, explains Muslim's holiest month of fasting, purification, introspection, and reverence.
President Bush wants suspected terrorists tried by secret, military tribunals instead of American courts, without appeal and only the President deciding who goes to trial. Meanwhile, with hundreds already under detention, anonymously and without being formally charged, the Justice Department plans to begin eavesdropping on prisoners and their attorneys. While some find such measures unconstitutional and un-American, others defend them in times of war. We speak with attorneys and civil libertarians about constitutional freedoms and the civil rights of suspects as America pursues its war on terrorism.
  • Newsmaker: Accord Reached for US Control of Airport Safety - The Congress has passed a stringent airport security bill, that creates a new federal agency and put federal employees in charge of screening. Gerald Kauvar, staff director of a 1997 White House Commission on aviation safety and security, has doubts about whether this newest law will really make America's airways safer.
  • Reporter's Notebook: Ramadan Begins - Billions of Muslims throughout the world, including 2 to 6 million here in the US, are beginning the celebration of Ramadan. Usman Mahda, community lliaison for the King Fahd Mosque in Culver City, California, explains Muslim's holiest month of fasting, purification, introspection, and reverence.

Aviation Security Act (S1447)

American Civil Liberties Union

Duke University's Center on Law, Ethics and National Security

US Department of Justice

Washington Legal Foundation

Understanding Islam and Muslims

Credits

Host:

Warren Olney