Despite this bi-partisan group of senators with their moistened fingers in the air during an election year, our system of justice works, if we just let it:

“Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab the Nigerian man accused of trying to blow up a jetliner bound for Detroit on Dec. 25, started talking to investigators after two of his family members arrived in the United States and helped earn his cooperation, a senior administration official said Tuesday evening.

…[F.B.I.] agents and the two family members flew back to the United States on Jan. 17. They met with the F.B.I. to discuss a way forward. After meeting with Mr. Abdulmutallab for several days, the official said, the family members persuaded him to talk to investigators.

Mr. Abdulmutallab, 23, began speaking to F.B.I. agents last week in Detroit and has not stopped, two government officials said. The officials declined to disclose what information was obtained from him, but said it was aiding in the investigation of the attempted terrorist attack.

“With the family, the F.B.I. approached the suspect,” the senior administration official said, speaking to reporters at the White House on the condition of anonymity because of the pending legal case. “He has been cooperating for days.”

Note the key phrases; “earned his cooperation,” not tortured him until he talked. “Approached the suspect,” not made him fear for his life. “Persuaded him to talk to investigators,” again, no “enhanced interrogation techniques” required. And what do you know, it was all done with Abdulmutallab’s lawyer present.

Score one for the rule of law and the American criminal justice system.