AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION CONDEMNS TORTURE
Urges Independent, Bipartisan Commission To Investigate Torture Allegations
ATLANTA, Aug. 10, 2004 –
The American Bar Association House of Delegates condemned any use of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment upon persons within the custody or under the physical control of the United States government (including its contractors) and any endorsement or of such measures by government lawyers, officials and agents. The association also urged creation of an independent, bipartisan commission with subpoena powers to prepare a full account of detention and interrogation practices in Abu Ghraib and other U.S.-operated facilities. The association’s policy-making body, meeting yesterday and today in Atlanta for the 2004 ABA Annual Meeting, considered a range of other issues, from sentencing, racial bias in criminal justice, prison operation and pardon and clemency policies to procedures to fill vacancies in the U. S. House of Representatives in the event of a catastrophe, gun law enforcement, court funding and the role of lawyers in helping communities prepare for such public health threats as bioterrorism attacks.
With more than 400,000 members, the American Bar Association is the largest voluntary professional membership organization in the world. As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law in a democratic society.
ATLANTA, Aug. 10, 2004 –
The American Bar Association House of Delegates condemned any use of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment upon persons within the custody or under the physical control of the United States government (including its contractors) and any endorsement or of such measures by government lawyers, officials and agents. The association also urged creation of an independent, bipartisan commission with subpoena powers to prepare a full account of detention and interrogation practices in Abu Ghraib and other U.S.-operated facilities. The association’s policy-making body, meeting yesterday and today in Atlanta for the 2004 ABA Annual Meeting, considered a range of other issues, from sentencing, racial bias in criminal justice, prison operation and pardon and clemency policies to procedures to fill vacancies in the U. S. House of Representatives in the event of a catastrophe, gun law enforcement, court funding and the role of lawyers in helping communities prepare for such public health threats as bioterrorism attacks.
With more than 400,000 members, the American Bar Association is the largest voluntary professional membership organization in the world. As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law in a democratic society.
posted by BLONDIE at 11:26 AM
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