John Ashcroft: Civilian Trials For Terrorists Have 'Use And Utility'

[deminks]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/02/19/john-ashcroft-civilian-tr_n_469022.html

In an acknowledgment that throws a wrench in Republican talking points, former Attorney General John Ashcroft said on Friday that the criminal justice system does, indeed, have a role to play in trying terrorist suspects.

In an interview with the Huffington Post at the Conservative Political Action Conference, the former Bush administration official said that there are "a variety of tools that ought to be available to an administration" in its efforts to curb terrorism and bring terrorists to justice.

Asked specifically about holding civilian trials for terrorists, he said such a venue "has use and utility."

(snip)

Ashcroft did not specifically address the Obama administration's plans to place 9/11 plotter Khalid Sheikh Mohammed on trial in a New York criminal court. (His handlers whisked him away before he could tackle the topic).

(end snip)

So, not every thug is on script.