Homeland Security Law

Catalog description

This course examines the multifaceted concept of homeland security and the legal authorities governing the protection of the homeland. This course will be divided into three components. The first will examine the most significant threats to homeland security, whether natural or manmade, including terrorism, cyber activities, hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, power outages, hazardous materials spills, pandemic health threats, and others. The second component will provide an overview of the organization of homeland security institutions, and examine the division of homeland security responsibilities and jurisdictions between federal, state and local governments, and the private sector. This section will also consider the appropriate level of interagency and intergovernmental coordination. The third and most significant component, will explore the legal architecture governing how the public and private sectors identify, prepare for and respond to threats to homeland security. This section will also consider how political decision-making structures influence the development of homeland security laws, and the appropriate balance between security and civil rights and libe1ties. By the end of this course, students will have a solid understanding of the complex set of actors, institutions and processes that make up the homeland security infrastructure, a strong working knowledge of the governing legal authorities, and an appreciation for the most significant and persistent controversies in the field.