American Bar Association will review Bush's legal challenges

[CatWoman]

Hey -- it's a start

WASHINGTON -- The board of governors of the American Bar Association voted unanimously yesterday to investigate whether President Bush has exceeded his constitutional authority in reserving the right to ignore more than 750 laws that have been enacted since he took office.

Meeting in New Orleans, the board of governors for the world's largest association of legal professionals approved the creation of an all-star legal panel with a number of members from both political parties.

They include a former federal appeals court chief judge, a former FBI director, and several prominent scholars -- to evaluate Bush's assertions that he has the power to ignore laws that conflict with his interpretation of the Constitution.

Bush has appended statements to new laws when he signs them, noting which provisions he believes interfere with his powers.

Among the laws Bush has challenged are the ban on torturing detainees, oversight provisions in the USA Patriot Act, and ``whistle-blower" protections for federal employees.

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2006/06/04/bar_group_will_review_bushs_legal_challenges/

[Rex]

1. What's to look at?

Has there EVER been another president in US history who 'ignored' more than 750 laws that have been enacted since he took office? I bet not! The better question would be, why write all those laws if your only going to break them later down the road? It will be interesting to see what the ABA comes up with.

[pinto]

2. This is good. The ABA - well known, respected, and carries

press coverage. I'd bet most Americans are fairly vague on the signing statements, overall. This can't but help.

[napi21]

3. Hi Cat. I read about this earlier today. It's a good idea!

The only one on the panel I'm familiar with is Bruce Fine, but is's a REAL stickler for abiding by the Constitution and obeying the law.


They are supposed to release their findings to the public this summer and Spector has agreed to have a hearing too.

Timing COULD be good!

[CatWoman]

4. Napi21

:hi:

I'm with you there -- let's hear from the experts.

[U4ikLefty]

5. I guess its time for the right to attack the ABA. n/t

[CatWoman]

6. hah!!! they already have

when * came into office, and decided to forgo their recommendations when choosing judges.