The Result Of Bush's Use Of Signing Statements, According To Law Professor Jonathan Turley, Is That 'The President Becomes A Government On To Himself'
Says Practice Also 'Invites Illegality'
By Alan Breslauer on 12/12/2007, 12:56pm PT  

Guest Blogged by Alan Breslauer

The second installment of "Bush League Justice" on MSNBC Live with Dan Abrams continued last night with an investigation into the Bush administration's "unprecedented use" of signing statements to subvert the rule of law. A signing statement is a president's written interpretation of legislation passed by congress which accompanies his signature when he signs a bill into law.

For example, in 2005 congress voted overwhelmingly to ban torture which Bush signed into law. However, Bush also included a signing statement which basically allowed him to ignore the new law.

To date, Bush has issued 1,100 signing statements which is nearly double that of all 42 presidents that preceded him combined.

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Article Categories: MSNBC, Accountability, Signing Statements