Politico recently published a report on requests made by the DOJ to Congress that is beginning to raise some eyebrows.
According to the report, the DOJ is requesting a temporary halt to 6th Amendment rights.
Possible Violation of Constitutional Rights
The 6th Amendment guarantees everyone the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury.
With the current coronavirus crisis, the DOJ, however, is reportedly trying to suspend this right.
The report stated that the Department of Justice has approached Congress about crafting legislation that would allow judges to hold defendants indefinitely and without trial until the crisis is over.
Additionally, the DOJ is asking for an extension to investigation time limits.
While one can see the reasoning behind the request, we have to start asking at what point is the government going too far?
Could there not be arrangements made for social distancing during these hearing to ensure anyone arrested is brought before a judge in a timely manner?
Could we not clear the courtrooms of spectators to allow for the proper social distancing of jury members during the crisis?
This is not a liberal talking point but rather the fact we will undoubtedly have innocent people in this mix that will end up spending considerable time in jail simply because of this crisis.
The request is not being received very well, needless to say.
Executive Director of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Normal L. Reimer, stated, “Not only would it be a violation of [habeas corpus], but it says ‘affecting pre-arrest.’ So that means you could be arrested and never brought before a judge until they decide that the emergency or the civil disobedience is over.
“I find it absolutely terrifying.
“Especially in a time of emergency, we should be very careful about granting new powers to the government.”
He added, “That is something that should not happen in a democracy.”
The forced shutdown of the country has already raised eyebrows.
Opinions are mixed between needing to do what is necessary to prevent the spread of coronavirus until a treatment is found to accusations of a severe overreaction.
Is the cost of the economy and possibly sending the country into a depression like we have not seen in a century worth protecting a few thousand lives? It is a harsh question to ask, but it is one more and more people seem to be asking as they watch their businesses close and their bank accounts dwindle to nothing.
