Military Commissions: Credit Goes to Michael Mori

By Jeralyn, Section Terror Detainees
Posted on Sat Mar 31, 2007 at 10:27:33 AM EST
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From TalkLeft reader lawyer Terry Kindlon:

While we're complaining about how bizarre and other-worldly the Guantanamo Military Commissions are, we should not fail to give sufficient credit to the powerful, pragmatic advocacy of Major Michael Mori, USMC, David Hicks's appointed counsel. Like Navy Commander Charles Swift, who sacrificed his career to effectively represent his client, Mori, a former enlisted Marine, has fearlessly taken on the United States Government at its worst and he's been routinely spectacular.

(As many TalkLeft readers know, Terry Kindlon of Albany, NY is an outstanding criminal defense lawyer who reads and comments often on TalkLeft about military service. He was a decorated Marine during Vietnam, sustained some injuries, is married to my friend Laurie Shanks, also an outstanding defense lawyer in Albany, and their son Lee, age 30, is a captain in the Marines and a military lawyer who recently returned from Fallujah, where he also served as a Judge Advocate.)

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Military Commissions: Credit Goes to Michael Mori | 6 comments (6 topical)

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Swiftboat time! (none / 0) (#1)
by Che's Lounge on Sat Mar 31, 2007 at 11:11:42 AM EST

Yes, Hicks is going home (none / 0) (#2)
by Militarytracy on Sat Mar 31, 2007 at 01:24:26 PM EST

and he is serving months instead of years. He also seems to have a wonderful father who is supportive and waiting for his release. Considering where he is coming out of and where he will be this time next year I would have to guess that some credit to Mori is due. Probably a lot more credit than I can ever imagine.

Mori's reward? (none / 0) (#3)
by scribe on Sun Apr 01, 2007 at 07:48:54 AM EST

He's been passed over for promotion a second time, and will be separated from the service.

Like at least 4 or five other Gitmo defense counsel.

I guess he did too good of a job.

Mr. Kildon (none / 0) (#4)
by Wile ECoyote on Mon Apr 02, 2007 at 06:46:14 AM EST

LCDR Swift was passed over the first time before he started to represent his celebrated client. I was wondering if you know the percentage of JAGs who were picked up on the second look, being above zone?

: re percentages and such (none / 0) (#5)
by scribe on Mon Apr 02, 2007 at 09:18:12 AM EST

I don't have subpoena power, and suppose it would take that, to get that information.
I find it inherently suspicious that one after another Gitmo defense counsel winds up with crappy OERs and a quick trip out. Or, at least the effective ones do.

Mori and ex parte (none / 0) (#6)
by Sailor on Mon Apr 02, 2007 at 03:32:54 PM EST

Australian's Plea Deal Was Negotiated Without Prosecutors
GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba, March 31 -- The plea deal that allows Australian David M. Hicks to leave the detention facility here with a nine-month sentence was negotiated between defense attorneys and the convening authority for military commissions without the knowledge of prosecutors, lawyers from both sides said.
The deal shows that the politically appointed authority has the power to personally decide the fate of America's most notorious terrorism suspects.

I don't know about the UCMJ but wouldn't that be ex parte communications in civilian courts?

It also goes to show that it was nothing but a politiical decision.