The Supreme Court today decided to hear the case of Ali al-Marri, a U.S. resident who has been held without charge by the federal government for more than five years. The case will determine whether the president can order the indefinite military detention of people living in the United States.

People For the American Way President Kathryn Kolbert issued the following statement:

“Despite its shift to the right, the Supreme Court has still proved itself willing to check the excessive power of the executive branch. I’m hopeful that the Court will stand up for the Constitution yet again, and place some meaningful limits on abuses of presidential power.

“President Bush has spent the last eight years actively working against our Constitutional liberties. Conflicts like this one are among the best reasons to look forward to a new administration.”

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