Trial and Terror

[Chris]

TRIAL AND TERROR is a database on "cases classified as international terrorism, though many of the people charged never left the United States or communicated with anyone outside the country."

...Since the 9/11 attacks, most of the 796 terrorism defendants prosecuted by the U.S. Department of Justice have been charged with material support for terrorism, criminal conspiracy, immigration violations, or making false statements — vague, nonviolent offenses that give prosecutors wide latitude for scoring quick convictions or plea bargains. 523 defendants have pleaded guilty to charges, while the courts found 175 guilty at trial. Just 2 have been acquitted and 3 have seen their charges dropped or dismissed, giving the Justice Department a near-perfect record of conviction in terrorism cases.

Today, 345 people charged with terrorism-related offenses are in custody in the United States, including 58 defendants who are awaiting trial and remain innocent until proven guilty.

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[patrickt]

"Innocent until proven guilty" is a totally illogical idea when applied to reality. It is simply a descriptive way of saying that the state must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Ted Bundy was a murderer from the moment he killed his first women. To pretend he was "innocent" until he was caught, tried, and convicted is ludicrous. And keep in mind, O.J. Simpson was not convicted but he is certainly not innocent.