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Obama Looks to Limit Right to Counsel

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 24, 2009 2:48 PM CDT

(Newser) – The Obama administration is pushing for a Supreme Court decision that would curtail the right of criminal suspects to counsel, the AP reports. At issue is a 1986 ruling that prevents police from questioning suspects unless a lawyer is present. The Justice Department says the restriction “serves no real purpose,” because suspects can always choose to remain silent, and offers only “meager benefits.”

Justices could decide today whether to hear the issue. Civil-liberties advocates are livid over Obama’s perceived betrayal. “Your right to assistance of counsel can be undermined,” one lawyer said, when going up against an interrogator who is “much more sophisticated than you are.” A group of former judges and prosecutors also opposes the move, saying the accepted procedure is well codified.

A jail cell.
A jail cell.   (AP Photo)
The door of a typical jail cell.
The door of a typical jail cell.   (AP Photo)
US Capitol Police officers.
US Capitol Police officers.   (AP Photo)
FBI agents escort a detainee after an anti-drug operation.
FBI agents escort a detainee after an anti-drug operation.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 10 comments
JonmarkP
May 26, 2009 5:14 AM CDT
Land of the free, home of the brave. My ass.
riffran
Apr 25, 2009 11:55 AM CDT
hell no...unbiased, non involved in the outcome third party...lawyers have to try to get their client off the hook guilty or not...therefore naaaaa
Rob
Apr 25, 2009 11:07 AM CDT
Yes, like the suspect's lawyer you mean?

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