Thu Aug 5, 4:52 PM ET - By The Associated Press

Several legal proceedings are planned or under way for terror suspects held at the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Since January 2002, the prison population has reached nearly 600 detainees from 40 nations.

COMBATANT STATUS REVIEW TRIBUNALS: Started last Friday. Evaluates "enemy combatant" status of detainees, whether they should be freed. Classification affords detainees fewer legal protections than prisoner of war status.

U.S. CIVILIAN COURTS: U.S. Supreme Court (news - web sites) ruled detainees have right to challenge detention in civilian courts. No cases filed yet. Unclear how the U.S. military would accommodate requests.

ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEWS: If prisoners determined to be enemy combatants, their detentions reviewed annually to see if they still pose threat or have valuable intelligence.

PRELIMINARY HEARINGS FOR MILITARY COMMISSIONS: Scheduled to start week of Aug. 23. Detainees hear charges against them, allowed to make pleas and have judicial procedure explained. Prosecutors and defense attorneys can make various motions before evidence presented.

MILITARY COMMISSIONS: Panel hears evidence, arguments in cases of detainees facing charges. Sentences include death penalty. Only four detainees have been charged, 15 designated eligible for trial before commissions.