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Opinion L.A.

Opinion: The trials of Eric Holder

By Michael McGough
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It has been eight months since Atty. Gen. Eric H. Holder Jr. announced that 9/11 ‘mastermind’ Khalid Shaikh Mohammed and four other accused terrorists would be tried in a federal court. On Sunday, Holder eloquently made the case for civilian trials as opposed to trials before the less-tested forum of a military commission. Unfortunately, President Obama doesn’t seem to be listening.

Appearing on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” Holder asked: “Why can’t we use a great criminal justice system that has proven effective in these kinds of case over the years, that has proven effective in a wide range of cases over the last 200 years, why can’t we use that system? It is that system that we have often said distinguishes us from other countries.”

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Holder cited one reason for the delay in the 9/11 trial: opposition in Congress to civilian trials. But it might be easier to persuade Congress to endorse them if the White House showed some leadership and supported Holder, instead of engaging in a prolonged internal debate. For Holder, preaching the value of civilian trials begins at home.

-- Michael McGough

Opinion L.A.
Michael McGough

Michael McGough is the Los Angeles Times’ former senior editorial writer, based in Washington, D.C. He wrote editorials for The Times from 2006 to 2021. Before that, McGough worked for 30 years for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette as a reporter, editorial writer, editorial page editor and Washington correspondent. He wrote about law, national security, politics, foreign policy and religion. McGough is a graduate of Allegheny College and also attended the University of Kent at Canterbury in England and Yale Law School, where he received a master of studies in law degree.

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