Groups Gird for Long Legal Fight on New Bush Anti-Terror Powers
Bill Goodman, legal director of the Center for Constitutional Rights in New York, said that his group, which grew out of legal efforts to defend civil rights protesters in the 1960's, is planning to challenge the executive order signed by President Bush on Nov. 13 allowing special military tribunals to try foreigners charged with terrorism. Mr. Goodman said he was discussing the possible challenge with lawyers representing some of those likely to face charges.

Mr. Bush's order, he said, has effectively suspended the writ of habeas corpus, a centuries-old legal procedure protecting citizens from being held illegally by the government. No president has the right to do that without the approval of Congress, the center's lawyers argue.

"My job is to defend the Constitution from its enemies," Mr. Goodman said. "Its main enemies right now are the Justice Department and the White House."