“Security or Freedom: The Costs of Counterterrorism” May 20, 2008

Peninsula Chapter, 05/20

“Security or Freedom: The Costs of Counterterrorism”

Who: Laura Donohue, Fellow, CISAC and the Center for Constitutional Law, Stanford Law School

Event: How has counterterrorist law in both the United Kingdom and the United States impacted the balance of power between the branches of government? In the aftermath of a terrorist attack political stakes are high: legislators fear being seen as lenient or indifferent and there is a heightened potential to grant the executive broader authorities without thorough debate. The judiciary’s role, too, is restricted: constitutional structure and cultural norms can narrow the courts’ ability to check the executive at all but the margins. To shed light on the impact of combating terrorism in liberal, democratic states, Laura Donohue, author of The Cost of Counterterrorism: Power, Politics, and Liberty, joins the Peninsula Chapter to discuss the cost of counterterrorist law in the U.K. and the U.S., arguing that the damage caused is significantly greater than first appears.

When: Tuesday, May 20; Registration: 5:30pm; Program: 6:00pm.

Where: World Affairs Council, 2nd Floor Auditorium, 312 Sutter St. San Francisco

Admission Costs: Council Members: Free, Students: $5, Nonmembers: $15

Info: 415.293.4600; info@wacsf.org

Official Website: http://www.itsyourworld.org/