JOANNE MARINER

Obama's New Euphemism
FindLaw columnist and human rights attorney Joanne Mariner argues that President Obama's recent reference to "prolonged detention" in a speech, combined with a news report of a new executive order in the works that would authorize indefinite detention, is very troubling. Mariner sets out four strong arguments as to why authorizing indefinite detention without charge -- a practice that she notes would clash with U.S. history and constitutional tradition -- would be a serious mistake for the Administration. Indeed, she contends it would recreate one of Guantanamo's most troubling practices, thus creating an equivalent to Guantanamo despite the closure of the facility itself. Tuesday, June 30, 2009