Hamdi v. Rumsfeld
Citation
542 U.S. 507 (2004)
Facts
Yaser Hamdi, an American citizen captured in Afghanistan during combat operations, was designated an enemy combatant by the government and held without charges or trial at a naval brig. Hamdi’s father filed a habeas petition challenging the detention, arguing that his son was entitled to due process protections.
Issue
Whether the Due Process Clause entitles a citizen detained as an enemy combatant to notice of the factual basis for his classification and a meaningful opportunity to rebut the government’s factual assertions.
Holding
A plurality held that due process requires that a citizen held as an enemy combatant receive notice of the factual basis for the classification and a fair opportunity to rebut that basis before a neutral decision-maker.
Rule
Even in wartime, citizen detainees are entitled to notice of the factual basis for their enemy combatant classification and a fair opportunity to contest it; the appropriate standard is determined through Mathews v. Eldridge balancing.