The Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in a case challenging the Bush administration’s jailing of hundreds of Guantanamo prisoners without charge or trial. Lawyers for the Center for the Constitutional Rights argued the prisoners have been unconstitutionally denied the writ of habeas corpus, the right to challenge their imprisonment before a judge. Speaking outside the Court, Center for Constitutional Rights President Michael Ratner said every prisoner deserves a day in court or a fair tribunal.

Michael Ratner: “The right to present evidence before a neutral tribunal and in which they can see the charges against them, that’s what we want. We’re very hopeful and optimistic by the argument today that this is what the people we represent at Guantanamo will get.”

Protesters, including law school students, gathered outside the Supreme Court.

Sally Newman, student at New York University Law School: “I’ve been watching the news and seeing that in Pakistan lately the lawyers have really been the ones to step forward and defend their constitution. And the attack on our Constitution is a little more subtle, it’s a little more nuanced, but it’s still there. And as a law student, if I want a future where I can operate in a just system, I feel like I have to be out here defending it.”