Checked and balanced

In a series of three opinions delivered Monday, the Supreme Court rejected the Bush administration's legal argument that the executive branch has the last word in imposing indefinite detentions on those deemed "enemy combatants" by the administration. \nJustice Sandra Day O'Connor, writing for the majority opinion, summarized the sentiment perfectly: "A state of war is not a blank check for the president when it comes to the rights of the Nation's citizens."\nThis is not by any means to say those held by the United States as prisoners in the war on terrorism will go free now or have an unchallenged right to go free -- indeed, it's far from that. But it recasts in stone the solid, basic right in this country to challenge the government that imprisons you. Win or lose, innocent or guilty, the prisoners have a right to contest their detention.\nThis administration has taken a "you don't need the facts, trust us because we say it's OK" attitude. Congress, mistakingly, often lets it slide. The press, mistakingly, often lets it slide. One thing is clear enough now: Our courts did not let it slide and will not stand for uninhibited executive power. We agree with this decision.