Political Bloviation

Am I the only one who’s head pounds when I see a quote like “a little-noticed provision in last year’s reauthorization of the Patriot Act”? Did Congress intend to give a serial liar sweeping new powers? Did they even notice this provision? Do any so-called conservatives have a problem with the federalization of death row appeals?

Gonzales could get say in states’ executions - Los Angeles Times
The Justice Department is putting the final touches on regulations that could give Atty. Gen. Alberto R. Gonzales important new sway over death penalty cases in California and other states, including the power to shorten the time that death row inmates have to appeal convictions to federal courts.

The rules implement a little-noticed provision in last year’s reauthorization of the Patriot Act that gives the attorney general the power to decide whether individual states are providing adequate counsel for defendants in death penalty cases. The authority has been held by federal judges.

Under the rules now being prepared, if a state requested it and Gonzales agreed, prosecutors could use “fast track” procedures that could shave years off the time that a death row inmate has to appeal to the federal courts after conviction in a state court.

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