This advanced, practice-focused seminar examines the legal frameworks governing U.S. counterterrorism operations across domestic and international contexts. The course explores how statutory authorities, constitutional principles, and international law shape the actions of military, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies in responding to terrorist threats.
Students will analyze how lawyers advise decision-makers in high-pressure environments involving surveillance, targeted operations, detention, financial disruption, and cross-border enforcement. The course integrates legal doctrine with operational realities, focusing on how legal authorities are interpreted and applied in practice.
The seminar treats counterterrorism law as a dynamic operational discipline, where legal analysis directly influences mission planning, execution, and accountability. Students will develop practical skills in advising government agencies, assessing legal risk, and navigating complex interagency and international frameworks.
This course assumes prior study of constitutional law, criminal law, or national security law.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. Understand U.S. legal frameworks governing counterterrorism operations.
2. Analyze executive and statutory authorities for counterterrorism actions.
3. Evaluate surveillance and intelligence collection laws.
4. Understand legal constraints on military and law enforcement operations.
5. Assess detention and targeting authorities.
6. Analyze financial and sanctions-based counterterrorism tools.
7. Navigate interagency and international coordination.
8. Advise clients on counterterrorism-related legal risks.
9. Evaluate constitutional and civil liberties implications.
10. Apply legal principles to real-world counterterrorism scenarios.
