A National DNA Database: New York Times Op-ed contributor, Michael Seringhaus writes that President Obama has made clear that we need a stronger DNA database that is readily available to law enforcement in every state, in order to "continue to tighten the grip around folks who have perpetrated these crimes." But critics claim there is a racial bias while sampling of arrestees. Seringhaus believes there is a better solution: keep every American's DNA profile on file. According to Seringhuas, a national DNA database with profiles of every person is more likely discover the source of a crime-scene sample, and would eliminate any racial bias. It would also be a much stronger tool for law enforcement. It would deter first-time offenders, and would enable police to quickly apprehend repeat criminals. Seringhaus claims a universal DNA collection is quite easy: "it could be done alongside blood tests on newborns, or through painless cheek swabs as a prerequisite to obtaining a driver's license or Social Security card." He believes that as long as "our privacy remains secure, there is no excuse not to use every bit of science we can in the fight against crime."
Obama's Ninth Circuit Judicial Nominee: Mark Sherman of the Associated Press reports on Obama's choice of judicial nominee, Goodwin Liu, for the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco. Obama's nominee has drawn strong criticism from conservatives. Liu is a 39-year old liberal legal scholar who is currently the assistant dean and law professor at the University of California, Berkeley. If confirmed, he could become a force on the federal appeals court for decades. Senator Jeff Sessions, the senior Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, described Liu as "far outside of the mainstream of American jurisprudence." Only six of Obama's 15 appeals court nominees have been confirmed. But Liu's place on the Ninth Circuit may not be the only issue. According to Curt Levey of the Committee for Justice, "[t]he bigger concern is that he'll wind up on the Supreme Court."
"Holder Did Not Disclose Briefs On 'Enemy Combatant'": Charlie Savage and Bernie Becker of the New York Times, reported last Thursday, that during his confirmation hearings Attorney General, Eric H. Holder Jr. did not notify the Senate that he signed several briefs urging courts to reject President George W. Bush's claim that he had the power to imprison Jose Padilla as an "enemy combatant." "The briefs should have been disclosed as part of the confirmation process," said Mathew Miller, a Justice Department spokesman. Republicans have made it clear that they are likely to attack Holder for joining the briefs, and failing to list them, along with other public documents, when he testifies before them later this month. Republican Senator of Alabama, Jeff Sessions, said the opinions in the briefs "go to the heart of his responsibilities in matters of national security." "This is an extremely serious matter," he said, "and the attorney general will have to address it." Bill Otis posted his thoughts on the Attorney General's omission last Friday.
Obama's Ninth Circuit Judicial Nominee: Mark Sherman of the Associated Press reports on Obama's choice of judicial nominee, Goodwin Liu, for the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco. Obama's nominee has drawn strong criticism from conservatives. Liu is a 39-year old liberal legal scholar who is currently the assistant dean and law professor at the University of California, Berkeley. If confirmed, he could become a force on the federal appeals court for decades. Senator Jeff Sessions, the senior Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, described Liu as "far outside of the mainstream of American jurisprudence." Only six of Obama's 15 appeals court nominees have been confirmed. But Liu's place on the Ninth Circuit may not be the only issue. According to Curt Levey of the Committee for Justice, "[t]he bigger concern is that he'll wind up on the Supreme Court."
"Holder Did Not Disclose Briefs On 'Enemy Combatant'": Charlie Savage and Bernie Becker of the New York Times, reported last Thursday, that during his confirmation hearings Attorney General, Eric H. Holder Jr. did not notify the Senate that he signed several briefs urging courts to reject President George W. Bush's claim that he had the power to imprison Jose Padilla as an "enemy combatant." "The briefs should have been disclosed as part of the confirmation process," said Mathew Miller, a Justice Department spokesman. Republicans have made it clear that they are likely to attack Holder for joining the briefs, and failing to list them, along with other public documents, when he testifies before them later this month. Republican Senator of Alabama, Jeff Sessions, said the opinions in the briefs "go to the heart of his responsibilities in matters of national security." "This is an extremely serious matter," he said, "and the attorney general will have to address it." Bill Otis posted his thoughts on the Attorney General's omission last Friday.
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