Federal Courts Are the Best Venue for Terrorism Trials

The argument for reconstituted military commissions ["Terror Trials in U.S. Are a Worry," news story, March 6] seems to be that it's okay to flout fundamental constitutional standards to convict people who might be found not guilty in fair trials in civilian courts, where secret evidence and coerced confessions are excluded.

But the cure for the Bush administration's myriad illegalities does not lie in continuing them by bringing Guantanamo-style justice onshore. The true road to effective counterterrorism passes through our normal federal courts, where the delivery of justice is sometimes complicated, expensive and time-consuming. That's a small price to pay for an improved national security strategy that also restores our souls and our international legitimacy.

GABOR RONA

International Legal Director

Human Rights First

New York