Civil Liberties vs. National Security in a Post 9/11 World

Book Description
In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, national security concerns have become the focus of the general public and of federal authorities. But some citizens and commentators have criticized the government for using national security as an excuse to curtail civil liberties. Others argue that the gravity of the terrorist threat warrants the increased security measures that have been implemented even if civil liberties must be compromised. Should the government be able to encroach on its citizens' freedoms in the name of national security? Should all citizens be willing to give up some constitutional rights to protect the nation? This timely and balanced discussion by leading experts on the trade-offs between national security and civil liberties is divided into six informative sections addressing the main issues of this crucial debate: The history of civil liberty issues in wartime Domestic surveillance and the USA PATRIOT Act Racial profiling The use of torture in confessions The designation of "enemy combatants" PLUS recent developments, such as the Abu Ghraib prison scandal In addition to excerpts from important recent US Supreme Court decisions on these topics, this volume includes selections from such widely recognized and respected authors as Richard Cohen, Alan M. Dershowitz, Viet D. Dinh, David A. Harris, Nat Hentoff, Philip B. Heymann, Aryeh Neier, Christian Parenti, John T. Parry, Eyal Press, Chief Justice William Rehnquist, Stephen J. Schulhofer, Jay Stanley, Barry Steinhardt, Stuart Taylor Jr., Welsh S. White, Frank H. Wu, and John C. Yoo. This intriguing collection of expert opinion from across the political, legal, and philosophical spectrums will appeal to readers interested in determining for themselves the acceptable level of infringement on individual freedom in this vital conflict between civil liberties and national security.

About the Author
M. KATHERINE B. DARMER is associate professor at the Chapman University School of Law and formerly an Assistant United States Attorney in New York City. ROBERT M. BAIRD is a professor and chair of the philosophy department at Baylor University. He is editor with Stuart E. Rosenbaum of Prometheus's Contemporary Issues series. STUART E. ROSENBAUM is a professor and director of graduate studies in philosophy at Baylor University. He is editor with Robert M. Baird of Prometheus's Contemporary Issues series and the editor of PRAGMATISM AND RELIGION.


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This collection of articles addresses the conflict between the protection of civil liberties and the maintenance of national security in the face of terrorist threats. Aiming to make a balanced presentation of the issues, the volume contains selections ranging from the A.C.L.U.'s critique of the U.S.A. Patriot Act to a defense by its chief architect. Contributions are arranged into four main sections, covering domestic surveillance, racial profiling, the use of torture in confessions, and the designation of "enemy combatants." Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR


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