Prerequisites: RCC*. This course will examine legal and policy perspectives on how to deter, prevent and respond to acts of terrorism both domestically and abroad. Students will study and explore both black letter law (e.g., the Patriot Act and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act) as well as policy debates (e.g., balancing national security against personal liberties) connected with the problem of terrorism. Topics will include: (1) defining terrorism and identifying who commits acts of terrorism; (2) the Patriot Act and other American legal responses to September 11; (3) the efficacy of international laws and treaties on the “war on terror”; (4) interrogation and torture techniques; (5) detainees, tribunals and the problem of where t o hold and try terrorists; (6) wiretapping, surveillance and prevention measures and privacy interests; (7) challenges related to criminal prosecution of terrorists in the United States courts; and (8) compensation to victims of terrorism.