Facts and Circumstances

"So, will you enforce this provision or not? It's really a very simple question."

"With respect to your elevated position, I must beg to differ. I cannot make a blanket commitment on this matter. Each case must be considered in the context of its specific facts and circumstances."

"According to you, then, what might those be?"

"They would include -- but are not limited to! -- what the specific technique is, to whom it is applied, who ordered the technique, and why the technique was ordered."

"But the language is very simple."

"That is as may be, but the application, you see, requires a case-by-case approach. I am therefore unable to commit to a one-size-fits-all approach."

"Which part of 'Thou shalt not kill' is complicated to you, Mr. Mukasey?"

"All of it, Lord. All of it. And I need to talk to you about this 'Thou shalt not steal' bit. That is a highly subjective provision, in the legal sense ..."

"Damn! I knew I should've asked Moses to do this!"