Finally, someone is standing up for the right to torture and the principle that some people should be above the law.

Republicans on Wednesday delayed a confirmation vote on attorney general nominee Eric Holder, some demanding assurances he would not prosecute U.S. agents for torture if they thought their methods were in compliance with the law.

“I want some assurance that we aren’t going to be engaged in any witch-hunts,” said Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas.

Cornyn and other Republicans said prosecutions would be unfair to agents who thought they were operating according to law and could discourage future collection of intelligence.

Maybe they could just say they were following orders?