Category Archives: National Security

The Slippery Slope is Here!

Posted on December 1, 2011 by

One of the primary criticisms of trying terrorists by military commission is the slippery slope which exists in a system not founded on sound legal principles. Proponents of military commissions have argued we needed this separate system to address unique … Continue reading →

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America Needs Harry Truman

Posted on September 23, 2011 by

In a new book, Top Secret America, Washington Post reporters Dana Priest and William Arkin tell the story of the rise of the American security state following the terrorist attacks on 9/11. The authors detail the vast security apparatus developed … Continue reading →

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Libya and the War Powers Act

Posted on June 24, 2011 by

In a recent post, my colleague George Dargo suggested that the Obama administration has no reason not to comply with the terms of the War Powers Act regarding our support of NATO forces in Libya. One of the members of the … Continue reading →

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The War Powers Debate: Is the U.S. Engaged in “Hostilities” in Libya?

Posted on June 22, 2011 by

How many angels can dance on the head of a pin? When does the use of the armed forces of the United States trigger the War Powers Resolution of 1973? Why have we not intervened in “hostilities” within the meaning … Continue reading →

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This Just In: President’s Use of Military Force in Libya Does Not Require Prior Congressional Approval!

Posted on April 15, 2011 by

The Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) recently issued an opinion on the President’s decision to direct the use of force in Libya in support of United Nation Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1973. The OLC concluded, unsurprisingly, that the President had the … Continue reading →

Posted in Executive Power, Hansen, Libya, National Security, Separation of Powers, Use of Force, War Powers | Leave a comment