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They're not looking to prosecute anyone (defendant is dead), presumably they're trying to recover info the could lead to more terrorists/plots

Yes, but presumably they might want to bring what they find as evidence in such future cases.

Heck, they can just use "parallel construction" and lie their teeth off, as usual.

The whole point is to build a precedent, remember?

You're talking a layer out. This is about what their rationale is.