National Security Law

This broad survey course is an introduction to national security law including presidential and congressional powers under our Constitution. We will examine select international security laws including the Geneva Conventions to augment our understanding of U.S. law and the role the United States plays on the global security stage. Students will learn the rudiments of the government's national security powers. We will examine the use of military force and issues involving intelligence operations at home and abroad and discuss law enforcement's role in intelligence gathering and access to national security information. We will gain an understanding of the roles of intelligence agencies such as the CIA, FBI, NSA and DIA and the equilibrium of liberty and security. This course will examine the Constitutional support for security institutions as well as its historical precedence. We will cover such themes as the allocation of power between Congress and the President on matters of foreign policy and war making, as well as the role of the judiciary in checking the political branches. We will study domestic sources of law, for example- the Constitution, the National Security Act, the War Powers Resolution, the USA PATRIOT Act, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and the Military Commissions Act. We will address new developments in the field as they arise. Though not a course on terrorism, events related to terrorism will feature heavily as they have occurred and as they will inevitably develop during the course of the semester.

Grading and Method of Evaluation:
Letter grade only. Paper which may be used to satisfy the Substantial or Additional ULWR requirement.

• Consitutional Law