Are We Living Under Martial Law?

The martial law concept in the U.S. is closely tied with the right of habeas corpus, which is in essence the right to a hearing on lawful imprisonment, or more broadly, the supervision of law enforcement by the judiciary. The ability to suspend habeas corpus is often equated with martial law. Article 1, Section 9 of the U.S. Constitution states, "The privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion, the public Safety may require it."

HR 6166:

provide amnesty to war criminals in the military

revoke habeas corpus rights,

render the Geneva Conventions null and void.

allow the police to search your home without a warrant.

revoke legal protection from self-incrimination.

eliminate the idea of rape and sexual assault as torture.

allow the government to use testimony extracted through torture.

allow the government to imprison people based on secret evidence without telling them the charges.

remove the right to cross-examine witnesses.

allow the records of trials to be kept secret from the public.

take away the right to a speedy trial.

enable trials to begin before a thorough investigation.

allow people to be put on trial in front of a military tribunal, even if they aren’t in the military.

create a secret committee appointed by Bush and Rumsfeld that has the power to declare any person an ‘enemy combatant’, depriving them of basic human rights, legal rights, or an appeal.

label a legal resident of the U.S. ‘legal’ and ‘illegal enemy combatant’ subject to indefinite detainment without an appeal.

label a foreign citizen living in their own country ‘illegal enemy combatant’ subject to indefinite detainment without an appeal.

Now what do you think?