Quote:
Originally posted by seretogis
This seems like a huge waste of time and money to me. We have an appeal system -- why on earth do we need to implement a "one more time" appeal for foreigners? It's not going to happen, and the UN Security council (of which we are on, and have veto power in) is unable to do anything about it. Seems to me that they (the ICJ) is trying to justify their existence.
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According to international law, foreigners that are in legal trouble should be allowed help from their country's officials. The fact that the US did not inform these people of their rights is a breach of these international laws. It's got nothing to do with a "one more time" appeal, it's simply part of international treaties the US agreed with.
If an inquiry shows that these mexicans weren't properly represented (if they had bad lawyers, for example), there should indeed be a chance to appeal. After all, their rights were violated.
As for the UN security council: they have *nothing* to do with this, so leave them out of it. One cannot veto a ICJ ruling.
Just as an example: suppose you're arrested in Iran. Would you not like your government to assist you during your trial? Suppose you weren't even told you could ask for such support, and, because you have no idea how the Iranian justice system works, you end up getting a life sentence (or worse)... I'd say you'd be pretty pissed off, as would the US government.