Should Terrorism Suspects Be Prosecuted in Civilian Courts?

An Obama administration plan to try suspected 9/11 terrorists in New York City, since rethought, once again raised questions about weighing the rights of the accused vs. national security needs. Those against the plan cited safety concerns--and costs--in arguing that military commissions are the right place for the trials. Those who favor trying the suspects in civilian courts, in New York City or anywhere else, argue that terrorists are criminals, not warriors, and that the criminal justice system has proven itself in previous terrorism cases.

 What do you think? Do terrorism cases belong in the criminal justice system or in military courts? Take our poll and weigh in below. And don't forget to check out the debate between Anthony Romero of the American Civil Liberties Union and Rep. Louie Gohmert of Texas in the latest issue of U.S. News Weekly.

Corrected on 2/14/10: An earlier version of this article contained an incorrect first name for Anthony Romero of the American Civil Liberties Union.

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