re: #258 kirkspencer

Yes.

Part of the pre-trial was a review to see if some or all the confinement was unlawful. It was determined to be so and a bit over 100 days will be applied to the sentencing. In some ways I’m ok, with that, in others I think it should have been closer to 600 days and a couple of people in the system need reviewed and maybe removed.

I think Manning was a jerk who violated the law. At the same time I think a lot of excessive punitive action was done, violating both letter and spirit of our judicial system. I sort of get the impression that the agents of the government have only recently recalled that everything, not just the conviction and sentence, can get reviewed by the SCOTUS. It’s caused some sudden changes in behavior, not least is finally getting the trial process underway.

It’s another Roper situation. I hate them, but understand their necessity.

Remember that he is not quite under “our” judicial system, but the UCMJ variant. SCOTUS has been traditionally shy about bumping into it. The joke would be that the DoD might screw around until he’s reviewed by a much more liberal mix of justices.