Can you remember back to the days of your high school European history class? I remember the discussion my class had on the Star Chamber. It started out as a court of direct appeal that oversaw the running of the lower courts. The Star Chamber heard cases on property disputes and corruption of trade administration. It was named the Star Chamber for the star pattern painted on the ceiling of the room at Westminster Palace where its meetings were held. The Star Chamber's power slowly increased under the rule of the Tudors. Although the court had the right to order torture, prison time and fines, it did not have the power to impose the death penalty. This court conducted all its meetings with the public allowed to attend.
As time passed, and the ruling family changed to the Stuarts, the demeanor of the Star Chamber changed. The Kings would use the power of this court to try the nobles that threatened the royal policies and practices. Charles I even used the Star Chamber as a substitute for Parliament for almost 20 years. What had started as a fair and moderate court evolved into a tool of secret policies, fear and suppression for the monarchy. While the English Parliament finally abolished the Star Chamber in 1641, the name came to be synonymous with misuses of power, corruption and sedition and all things in opposition to personal freedom and liberty.
So, why does this memory come back to me now? Reading an article online the other night made me remember the feelings of disgust and anger that only one that has been raised in a land such as the United States can feel. The feelings returned, as well as amazement that such a thing could be occurring here and now in the US. .
The Federal Courts have been conducting closed door hearings, even going so far as to swear all participants in the hearing to complete secrecy. There are no records filed regarding these hearings; no files, nothing.
