DOJ Lawyer Underwent Waterboarding

A Justice Department lawyer who underwent waterboarding before writing a memo calling for restrictions on its use was forced out of the Justice Department after Alberto Gonzales became attorney general.

The lawyer, Daniel Levin, concluded that the simulated drowning technique could be used only under strict supervision, in limited circumstances, Jan Crawford Greenburg and Ariane de Vogue reported last week for ABC News. Levin said he found the experience to be terrifying.

The Washington Post commends Levin for his commitment in an editorial published today. It says he is one of several conservative Justice Department lawyers who fought “to sustain the rule of law in an administration too often eager to suspend it.” Others included former deputy attorney general James Comey and former Office of Legal Counsel chief Jack Goldsmith.

If Michael Mukasey is confirmed as attorney general, his first priority should be to eliminate "disregard for principle and law,” the Post says.