U.S. Issues Orders Curtailing Rights of Suspected Terrorists, Including Allowing Trial of Terrorists by Military Courts, Interrogating Certain Foreigners, and Monitoring Communications between Detained Persons and Attorneys

The U.S. Government has acted to make major legal transformations in civil liberties in response to the September 11 terrorist incidents, generating much discussion over the international and comparative law issues. On November 13, 2001, President George W. Bush issued an executive order permitting trial by Military courts of ta wide range of persons defined as covered under the order. On November 6, 2001, Attorney General Ashcroft promulgated a regulation, allowing the monitoring or review of communications in prison between detained persons and attorneys for the purpose of deterring future violent acts (e.g., that may result in death or serious bodily injuries to persons or substantial property damage). Meanwhile, Attorney General Ashcroft has refused to allow FBI access to federal gun purchase records in connection with counterterrorist investigations.