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Supreme Court Hears Guantanamo Case, 4/21/04 Reading Comprehension Questions:
2. Who is the U.S. military holding at Guantanamo Bay? Why?
3. Have the detainees been charged with a crime?
4. What protection should the non-U.S. citizens have under the U.S. Constitution according to their lawyers?
5. Why does the government say the detainees should not be able to argue their cases in U.S. courts?
6. What is the debate over who controls the Guantanamo Bay naval base?
7. What did Justice Stephen Breyer say about the government's activities at Guantanamo Bay?
8. Does Justice Antonin Scalia agree with Justice Breyer?
9. What case will the Supreme Court hear on April 28?
Discussion Activity (more research might be needed): 1. What is the system of "checks and balances" in the American form of government? Explain how it works and how it could affect the cases the Supreme Court is now hearing? 2. If the government loses the three cases being heard by the court, limits could be set on how much power it has in prosecuting criminals in the war on terrorism? Is this a good thing or not? Should the Department of Defense be allowed to deal with detainees in whatever manner it sees fit? Explain your answer. 3. Some people have accused the government of compromising civil liberties in order to preserve national security. The Patriot Act is one way they say the government does this. Do you agree or disagree? Research the Patriot Act to determine your opinion of its merits and limitations. 4. Pretend you are the president of the United States. You have a suspected terrorist in custody, who may have information leading to the capture of a ring of terrorists believed to be responsible for a recent bombing. Do you, a) hold him indefinitely until you get the information you think he has, or b) give him access to a court trial where he may go free without providing any information? Explain your rationale.
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