Monday, May 29, 2023
  • About us
    • Write for us
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms of use
    • Privacy Policy
  • RSS Feeds
  • Advertise with us
  • Contact us
DefenceTalk
  • Home
  • Defense News
    • Defense & Geopolitics News
    • War Conflicts News
    • Army News
    • Air Force News
    • Navy News
    • Missiles Systems News
    • Nuclear Weapons
    • Defense Technology
    • Cybersecurity News
  • Military Photos
  • Defense Forum
  • Military Videos
  • Military Weapon Systems
    • Weapon Systems
    • Reports
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Defense News
    • Defense & Geopolitics News
    • War Conflicts News
    • Army News
    • Air Force News
    • Navy News
    • Missiles Systems News
    • Nuclear Weapons
    • Defense Technology
    • Cybersecurity News
  • Military Photos
  • Defense Forum
  • Military Videos
  • Military Weapon Systems
    • Weapon Systems
    • Reports
No Result
View All Result
DefenceTalk
No Result
View All Result

President Seeks to Reform, Revive Military Commissions

by US Department of Defense
May 19, 2009
in Defense Geopolitics News
2 min read
0
14
VIEWS

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama today moved a step closer toward reforming and reviving the military commissions that have been stalled since the change in administrations.

The Defense Department is sending to the Congress a handful of changes that will afford more protections to defendants at the commissions.

“Military commissions have a long tradition in the United States. They are appropriate for trying enemies who violate the laws of war, provided that they are properly structured and administered,” Obama said in a statement released today.

Chief among the changes is that statements obtained from detainees using cruel, inhuman or degrading interrogation methods will no longer be admitted as evidence at trial.

Also, there will be limits on the use of hearsay. The new rule shifts the burden of proving reliability of the hearsay to the party who offers it. The burden will no longer be on the party who objects to the hearsay to disprove it.

The accused will have greater latitude in selecting their counsel, and there will be basic protections for those who refuse to testify. Finally, military commission judges may establish the jurisdiction of their own courts.

“These reforms will begin to restore the commissions as a legitimate forum for prosecution, while bringing them in line with the rule of law,” Obama said in the statement.

“In addition, we will work with the Congress on additional reforms that will permit commissions to prosecute terrorists effectively and be an avenue, along with federal prosecutions in Article III courts, for administering justice.”

The rule changes do not require a change in law, but the law does require that the Defense Department give Congress 60 days notice before the rules can be implemented.

The department will ask for a 90-day continuance for pending military commission cases while the rules are reviewed by Congress.

Tags: commissionsDefensereform
Previous Post

Marine Corps Ready for Review’s Scrutiny

Next Post

Boeing to Develop Counter-Electronics High Power Microwave Aircraft

Related Posts

china third aircraft carrier PLAN

China sends warships and aircraft around Taiwan for second day

April 8, 2023

China sent warships and aircraft near Taiwan for a second day on Friday and insisted the island remains "an inseparable...

Japan defence ministry seeks $50 billion budget

Japan changes rules to allow aid to foreign militaries

April 6, 2023

Japan will begin offering aid to the militaries of "like-minded countries" under new rules announced Wednesday, as Tokyo builds a...

Next Post

Boeing to Develop Counter-Electronics High Power Microwave Aircraft

Latest Defense News

China made third-largest air incursion this year, says Taiwan

China would gain swift air superiority over Taiwan, US leaks show

April 19, 2023
china third aircraft carrier PLAN

China sends warships and aircraft around Taiwan for second day

April 8, 2023
Japan defence ministry seeks $50 billion budget

Japan changes rules to allow aid to foreign militaries

April 6, 2023
Trump order targets Chinese internet giants TikTok, WeChat

TikTok hit with UK fine, Australia government ban

April 6, 2023
Finland gears up for historic NATO decision

Long NATO delay spells trouble for Sweden and alliance: experts

April 6, 2023
Russia says fired anti-ship missiles at mock target in Sea of Japan

Russia says fired anti-ship missiles at mock target in Sea of Japan

March 28, 2023

Defense Forum Discussions

  • Turkey - Geopolitical & Geostrategic.
  • Russian Army/Ground Forces Discussion and Updates
  • Royal Australian Navy Discussions and Updates 2.0
  • The Russian-Ukrainian War Thread
  • AI
  • US Army News and updates general discussion
  • NATO
  • UAS developments and/or issues
  • General Aviation Thread
  • Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) update
DefenceTalk

© 2003-2020 DefenceTalk.com

Navigate Site

  • Defence Forum
  • Military Photos
  • RSS Feeds
  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Contact us

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Defense News
    • Defense & Geopolitics News
    • War Conflicts News
    • Army News
    • Air Force News
    • Navy News
    • Missiles Systems News
    • Nuclear Weapons
    • Defense Technology
    • Cybersecurity News
  • Military Photos
  • Defense Forum
  • Military Videos
  • Military Weapon Systems
    • Weapon Systems
    • Reports

© 2003-2020 DefenceTalk.com