Accused 911 Mastermind Gets Deal to Avoid Death Penalty
Aug 2, 2024
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Matthew Waxman, a Columbia Law School professor, discusses the controversial plea deal for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged 9/11 mastermind, revealing the emotional turmoil faced by victims' families. John Bergmayer, Legal Director at Public Knowledge, examines a recent Fifth Circuit ruling limiting federal agency power, emphasizing its implications for communications regulation and the Universal Service Program. Together, they navigate the pressing issues of justice and administrative law in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed's plea deal to avoid the death penalty raises significant concerns about justice for 9/11 victims' families.
The Fifth Circuit's ruling against the FCC's Universal Service Fund underscores ongoing challenges in federal regulatory authority and administrative law.
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Plea Deal for 9/11 Defendants
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind behind the September 11 attacks, has reached a plea agreement that allows him and two co-conspirators to avoid the death penalty in exchange for life sentences. This controversial decision has sparked outrage among many families of the victims who feel that justice has not been served. The plea deal specifically addresses three of the five individuals accused, raising concerns regarding the long timeline and effectiveness of military commissions designed to prosecute such cases. Critics argue that the government’s willingness to negotiate such a deal reflects weak leadership and an unwillingness to deliver justice.
Challenges of Military Commissions
The slow progress of military commissions responsible for trying 9/11 defendants has drawn systematic criticism for their inefficiency and complexity. Originally intended to provide swift justice, these commissions have faced numerous legal challenges related to evidence obtained under questionable circumstances, including claims of torture. Furthermore, the lack of preparation and procedural readiness when the detainees were apprehended has compounded delays in prosecution. As a result, many advocates for the victims' families express frustration over the perceived lack of accountability and finality associated with the ongoing legal proceedings.
Fifth Circuit Limitations on Federal Agency Powers
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled against the FCC's Universal Service Fund, stating it constitutes an unconstitutional delegation of Congress's taxing authority. This ruling, which deviates from the consensus of other circuit courts, highlights an ongoing trend of the Fifth Circuit imposing limits on federal regulatory powers. The decision contradicts long-held interpretations that classify the universal service program as a fee rather than a tax, complicating funding for communications services, particularly in underserved areas. Legal experts predict that this ruling may escalate to the Supreme Court for clarification on the delegation of authority between Congress and federal agencies, which has broader implications for administrative law.
Matthew Waxman, a professor at Columbia Law School, discusses the government giving a plea deal to accused 911 mastermind, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, allowing him to avoid the death penalty by pleading guilty. John Bergmayer, Legal Director of Public Knowledge, discusses the 5th Circuit limiting agency power again with a novel decision. June Grasso hosts.