LAW 7589

National Security Law: Issues & Policy

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2019-2020.

This seminar will explore key issues of national security law and public policy. Topics will include the collection of intelligence, covert action, the collection (and production) of foreign intelligence and counterintelligence, the laws of war, offensive counterterrorism operations, cybersecurity, and other current issues in the national security arena. In evaluating these topics, the seminar will discuss the allocation of decision-making authority among the three branches of government; the balance between security and liberty and security and transparency; and it will consider possible ways to reconcile domestic law and policy objectives with international obligations and norms. It will focus on domestic sources of law—the Constitution, National Security Act, Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, among others—but also will touch upon and consider the impact of international legal frameworks such as the UN Charter and Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols. [Please note: Students enrolled in LAW 7589 will be expected to have read, and to come to the first seminar session prepared to discuss, The Terror Presidency by Jack Goldsmith. This short and very readable book provides an excellent backdrop for the course, and any students joining LAW 7589 during the drop/add period are expected to read it ASAP; however, such students will be able to catch up with the rest of the class and therefore will not be disadvantaged.]

When Offered Spring.

Permission Note Limited enrollment.

Satisfies Requirement Fulfills the writing requirement.

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