Specific defense barred in Padilla case

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Houston Chronicle/Associated Press

Aug. 9, 2007, 10:29PM
Specific defense barred in Padilla case


By CURT ANDERSON Associated Press Writer
© 2007 The Associated Press

MIAMI — Jurors who will soon debate the guilt or innocence of Jose Padilla and two other men on terrorism support charges cannot consider whether their actions were justified by Islamic law, a federal judge ruled Thursday.

U.S. District Judge Marcia Cooke agreed to a request from prosecutors to instruct the jurors that each of the men can be convicted even if they "may have believed that the conduct was religiously, politically or morally required, or that ultimate good would result."

Jurors are expected to begin deliberations after closing statements Monday and Tuesday. Padilla and co-defendants Adham Amin Hassoun and Kifah Wael Jayyousi are charged with being part of a North American support cell that provided finances, supplies and recruits to al-Qaida and other Islamic extremist groups.

A cornerstone of the defense during the nearly three-month trial was the idea that Islamic teaching provides for legitimate "defensive jihad," which differs from terrorism because it is meant to counter aggression against Muslims and does not threaten innocent people.




Read more: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/nation/5042660.html

[China_cat]

1. I can understand that ruling.

If that defense was allowed, it would set precedent for people like the killers of abortion doctors who already try to excuse themselves on the grounds that they were doing 'god's work'.

[annabanana]

2. Does that means "motive" is off the table?

I don't know what to think. Really.

on edit: I guess he shouldn't have thought that Sharia law was more important that US Law?

[Kagemusha]

3. Er they do have other defenses. The US case is amazingly weak overall.

Amazing considering the importance of the case.

I have no problems with this ruling. I just wonder how the rest will hold up.