As promised, we are reporting live from Washington where the ABA annual meeting is focusing on terrorism issues.

First, the important stuff. The heat wave has gone and it's pleasant enough to walk everywhere. Dulles was not crowded.

Our Bosnian driver was very well-versed in the trials of the moment. His thoughts: The prosecution has not met its burden in the Westerfield/Van Dam case--spot of blood not withstanding, but Westerfield may lose because he comes across too cold; Chandra Levy knew her killer (and according to our driver, so do we. For the record, we disagree-- being a sleazeball doesn't make you a murderer); the death penalty must go because of the number of innocent people sent to death row, without exception-- even for the guy charged in the Samantha Runion murder, if he's convicted; and there's something wierd about the Elizabeth Smart case, no way was it the handyman Ricci who did the kidnapping.

Dinner at organic/natural foods restaurant Nora's was quite good, now we want to try Asia Nora's.

Nice hotel, but no internet access, only dialup, so we may not be as prolific as we had planned. But back to business....

Nearly 7,000 lawyers and others registered in advance for the meeting, and they will be joined by about 2,500 family members and guests.

We are here for the Criminal Justice Section Council meeting. Legendary Miami lawyer Albert Krieger will assume the role of Chair.

Meetings tomorrow include "Leadership in Time of Crisis: The Aftermath of Sept. 11"'; Bringing Transnationals to Justice; Impact of International Law on Death Penalty Litigation; The Boston Strangler Returns: A High Tech Hearing on the Murder ofr Mary Sullivan; Family Unfriendly: The Impact of Criminal Justice Policies on Women Offenders and Children; Cybercrime: An International Problem for All.

And here's one of our personal favorites, "Where Does Your Client's Money Come From? Anti-Money Laundering and Related Enforcement Efforts."

Then there is "US/Mexico Border Issues--Migration Policy Negotiations AFter Sept. 11," and Homeland Security and Civil Liberties in the Balance.

Last but not are two Justice Department officials appearing together to speak about leadership at a time of crisis. They are Michael Chertoff, head of the Justice Department’s criminal division; and Kenneth Feinberg, the official in charge of the department’s Sept. 11 Victim Compensation Fund.

And one not to miss is James Brosnahan, lawyer for captured American Taliban John Walker Lindh, taking part in a program on civil liberties in a time of crisis.

He spoke in San Francisco last week for the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and really let loose on the behind the scenes action regarding his client. He and Bobby Lee Cook were mentioned repeatedly as the week's best and most inspiring speakers. If you are around this time, don't miss him. He will open your eyes on a number of case-related issues.

Harvard law professor Arthur Miller will speak on terrorism and the Constitution. And for those who last until Monday, there is Mental Illness and the Death Penalty.

Lunch tomorrow will feature Deputy Attorney General Larry Thompson, noon - 2 in the Jefferson Ballroom West at the Capital Hilton. We'll be at that one and will duly report afterwards.

The ABA House of Delegates, the policy making arm of the organization, meets Monday and Tuesday when it will consider a proposal that opposes prolonged detention of immigrants before any charges are filed. The recommendation also calls for disclosure of detainees’ names.

At tomorrow's Criminal Justice Section Meeting, we'll be taking up the passage of proposed ABA standards to reduce and/or eliminate felony disenfranchisement- which lawyers call "collateral sanctions" of pleading guilty- like voting, not being able to get professional and other licenses, and things your client never knows they are going to lose until it's too late. We're voting for these for sure.

Keynoting the Opening Assembly on Saturday evening will be renowned civil rights activist Morris Dees, founder and chief trial counsel of the Southern Poverty Law Center in Montgomery, Ala.

Also appearing at the meeting will be Justices Kennedy and Ginsburg of the U.S. Supreme Court, who sometimes find themselves at opposite ends of the ideological spectrum.

All program events are "ala carte" meaning you pay for only what you choose to attend.

And that's a wrap for tonight.