NCJ Number
122690
Journal
ABA Journal Volume: 76 Dated: (April 1990) Pages: 54-58
Date Published
1990
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article examines the relationship between the U.S. government and General Noriega of Panama, discusses whether Noriega can receive a fair trial in the United States, and identifies issues to be litigated at Noriega's trial.
Abstract
Noriega claims head of State immunity and says he cannot be indicted and tried in U.S. courts. Even if he could be tried in the United States, his defenders claim, he could not receive a fair trial because of statements made about him by the President and national news broadcasters. The legal situations of other generals and foreign heads of state brought to trial in the United States are discussed, along with head-of-State status granted such leaders as the Shah of Iran and Ferdinand Marcos. Noriega's legal counsel is also interviewed and speculates that two years may pass before Noriega's trial begins.