Public Opinion: Tell Us What You Think About the Supreme Court's Decision Allowing Guantánamo Bay Detainees to Appeal in U.S. Civilian Courts

Guantanamo detainees are prisoners of war. Now here's a little American history for you, Gary:

The U.S. Constitution, specifically Article VI, paragraph 2, states that "this Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land."

If there is any doubt as to the interpretation of this article, the Army’s Field Manual 27-10, The Law of Land Warfare, spells it out clearly:

In consequence, treaties relating to the law of war have a force equal to that of laws enacted by the Congress. Their provisions must be observed by both military and civilian personnel with the same strict regard for both the letter and spirit of the law which is required with respect to the Constitution and statutes enacted in pursuance thereof.

The treaties relating to the law of war which the United States has signed are the U.N. Charter and the Geneva Conventions.

Any questions, Gary?

Patrick Walsh (veteran: Captain, Infantry of NJ 10:27PM June 13, 2008