WHAT: Arguments in Humanitarian Law Project et al. v Gonzales

WHEN: Wednesday, July 26, 2006, 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: Courtroom of Judge Audrey Collins

Edward R. Roybal Federal Courthouse

255 E. Temple Street, Los Angeles

Please consider attending a significant proceeding regarding the constitutionality of the USA PATRIOT Act Wednesday July 26, 2006, 10:00 a.m., in the courtroom of US District Court Judge Audrey Collins in the Roybal Federal Office Building.

A group of organizations and individuals are challenging the section of the Patriot Act which makes it a crime to provide support, including humanitarian aid, literature distribution and political advocacy, to any foreign entity that the government has designated as a "terrorist" group. The hearing on Wednesday will specifically deal with the government's assertion that the Treasury Department has the authority to designate terrorist organizations under the Patriot Act and with the constitutionality of prosecutions under the relevant sections.

The hearing will include oral arguments on the government's motion for dismissal and the plaintiffs' cross motion for summary judgment. An earlier similar lawsuit resulted in the Court's decision in January, 2004 that the questioned section of the Patriot Act violated the First and Fifth Amendments. Due to new legislation and Bush administration policy decisions, the plaintiffs have been forced to re-litigate the issue.

The plaintiffs' attorneys are encouraging people to attend to show public support for the protection of our civil liberties. It should be interesting to watch and hear the arguments and to support those who are working for the benefit of us all.

I plan to attend and hope that many of you will be able to attend as well.