The American Challenge: Terrorists, Detainees, Treaties, and Torture-Responses to the Rule of Law, 2001-2008

Carl Q. Christol

Feb 2009 · University Press of America

About this ebook

This sequel to Carl Q. Christol's International Law and U.S. Foreign Policy (2nd Revised Edition, 2006) is based on original sources, such as the Constitution, treaties, statutes including the Detainee Treatment Act of 2005 and the Military Commissions Act of 2006, critical Supreme Court decisions, all relevant Department of Justice memorandums that have been released to the public, and the wide-ranging public writings of scholars and members of the professional estate. Christol emphasizes the significance of the constitutional concept of separation of powers, pointing to the efforts of the Executive branch to call upon the Commander-in-Chief and war powers during what has been referred to as 'the war on terrorism.' He draws attention to the growing authority of 'military law' and, in the contest between the three branches of government, Christol emphasizes the roles of Congress and the Courts in the protection of civil and political rights and liberties.

About the author

Carl Q. Christol is Distinguished Emeritus Professor of International Law and Political Science at the University of Southern California. He holds a Ph.D. degree from the University of Chicago and an LL.B from Yale Law School. He served in the Infantry in World War II and occupied the Stockton Chair of International Law at the U. S. Naval War College. He has delivered lectures and participated in seminars at universities and colleges on five continents. He served as chairman of the International Law Section of the International Studies Association. His research and writing have focused on U.S. Constitutional law, civil and political rights and liberties, international law, international space law, world organizations, and human rights.