Justice Anthony Kennedy praises conference for delving into issue of terrorists’ trials

KAANAPALI, Maui >> Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy has praised attorneys attending the 9th Circuit Judicial Conference in Hawaii for addressing the issue of how to try suspected terrorists.

Earlier this week, conference participants heard a panel discussion on trying terrorism cases, with the consensus in favor of using civilian courts instead of military commissions in most cases.

Kennedy said yesterday that he agreed with the conclusion, saying, "Article III courts are quite capable of trying these terrorist cases."

During a question-and-answer session, Kennedy was asked how new Justice Elena Kagan would bring change to the high court.

Kennedy said it will be a different court, but he didn’t elaborate.