Though prosecutors sought a life sentence for Jose Padilla, the man accused of plotting to detonate a "dirty bomb" in the U.S. was sentenced to 17 years and 4 moths in prison. The actual time in jail came as a result of conspiracy charges related to Padilla's attempts to help terrorists abroad.

Commentary: Prosecutors vowed to appeal what they considered a very light sentence especially since the ruling gave Padilla less time in jail than the federal sentencing guidelines recommended. At issue was Padilla's treatment while in custody as well as the length of time he spent in a naval brig in South Carolina. The judge ruled that Padilla underwent prolonged isolation and intensive interrogations during his three plus years in the brig and essentially gave him time served for that period. The result was considered a major defeat for the government.