So, I was reading the Constitution today... (CIA arrest thought)

[Sal316]

The 'firing' of the CIA employee for leaking info on secret prisons got me thinking.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but rendition and torture violate International Laws and treaties we signed, right? (Not sure which ones, but I'm sure the Human Rights Convention and Geneva come to mind).

Well, lookie at Article VI: This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land;.

Now Article II, Sec. 4 says this. "The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors."

Now does violating the 'supreme law of the land' count as a high crime or just a misdemeanor?

[helderheid]

1. both? Good catch!

:yourock:

[Sal316]

2. Thanks. Imma just a chemist.

Maybe there's a more educated Constitutional scholar floating around DU that could weigh in?

[Sinti]

3. Just like the Mob though, until somebody stands up to them, law-shmaw n/t

[SlipperySlope]

4. Up to the Supreme Court

The Constitution also says that the US Supreme Court has judicial power over all treaties made, so it is up to them to decide if a treaty was violated.

P.S. - Geneva wasn't violated. I don't know about other conventions.

[PublicWrath]

5. does anybody else expect bushco to push an Official Secrets Act soon?