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Letters: Military justice is top-notch

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Re “Trial showcases military jury system,” Aug. 11

Readers may be left with the impression that trying Army Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan by a court-martial board of senior officers is somehow unfair.

By signing up and obtaining a rank of captain because of his psychiatry degree, Hasan chose to be subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Jury members must be senior in rank to the accused so no one can claim that the accused compelled the jury to acquit him. They are educated, engaged and focused on the case and are on full pay for the duration.

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Hasan’s jury members were brought in from all over the country in an extra effort to avoid prejudice. These are probably the most careful juries in the world. You won’t get a “How stupid were they?” interview from the members at the end of this trial.

Let’s not feel sad that Hasan, defending himself, is a dreadful counsel and an affront to uniform standards. Hasan is getting far better treatment than he deserves.

Lisalee Anne Wells

Long Beach

The writer is a former U.S. Navy prosecutor.

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