Gideon's Strumpet: The International Right to Counsel for Persons Accused of Terrorism

Sara A. Rodriguez, United States District Courts

Abstract

Criminal defendants typically are guaranteed the assistance of counsel and other related rights, which may include the right to counsel of choice and the right to waive the assistance of counsel and to represent one’s self. Current rules of procedure for the military commissions established by President George W. Bush place some limitations on the right to counsel of choice and the right of self-representation for terrorism detainees in custody at Guantanamo. Terrorism is an international crime. This article examines whether international law condones limitations on the right to counsel of choice and the right to self-representation for persons accused of terrorism.