Ashcroft can be sued

[Namreg]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8239409.stm

A former US attorney general can be sued by an American citizen held as a witness suspected of having information in a terrorism case, a court has ruled.

Abdullah al-Kidd accuses John Ashcroft, attorney general from 2001 to 2005, of violating his constitutional rights in 2003, when he was held for 16 days.

The court said detention of witnesses without charge after the 9/11 attacks was "repugnant to the constitution".

The US Department of Justice said it was reviewing the court's order.

A three-judge panel of the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals also said the government's policy was "a painful reminder of some of the most ignominious chapters of our national history."

 

[busenbust]

This will set a precedent perhaps?

 

[Will E Worm]

Great

 

[Hot Mega]

I predict the case will be tossed as it should. I have an enormous problem anytime the g'ment violating the rights of it's citizens but suing Ascroft personally is not the answer.

The plaintiff's gripe is with the g'ment Ascroft was working on behalf of. Ascroft theoretically had no personal stake (per se) in holding this individual. The g'ment Ascroft was working on behalf of did.

 

[feller469]

it is an interesting situation because while he was a member of the government, if he gave an illegal order to hold the guy, is he still representing the government?

Can a cop be charged personally for arresting someone unconstitutionally? Or can only the organization he works for be sued?

 

[maildude]

Ashcroft is a dubious sort to begin with. Come to think of it, everyone who was in the Bush umbrella was dubious.

 

[Hot Mega]

Ashcroft is a dubious sort to begin with. Come to think of it, everyone who was in the Bush umbrella was dubious.

Actually Ascroft was one of the only players in that cabal who appeared to at least try to stay within the Constitution this case notwithstanding.

 

[Dean Wormer]

I had detention many times when I was in junior high school and high school. Even though this was before 9/11 am I allowed to sue?