[oceanview]

our criminal justice system is basically designed to deal with crime only after it has occurred - its not going to help us much in the domestic war on terror. we prosecuted the WTC 1993 bombers - big deal, it didn't help us worth a damn. in fact, during the trial, information about satellite phone monitoring was revealed that helped AQ changes its communications tactics.

[ndt]

"our criminal justice system is basically designed to deal with crime only after it has occurred"

I understand what you are saying and you are mostly correct. However, the crime begins to occur during the conspiracy phase that precedes the attack.

I am not nor have I argued that TWOT needs to be moved to a police matter. Only that in the cases that involve U.S. citizens, we need to follow the Constitution and rule of law.

I'm not sure when following the Constitution and rule of law became a controversial position.

[NJ_gent]

"our criminal justice system is basically designed to deal with crime only after it has occurred"

Really? Conspiracy to commit murder requires that a violent action take place before arrests can be made?