Two professors from different law schools will debate executive branch powers during wartime at University of San Diego (USD) Monday, Feb. 12. The event, which begins at 5:30 p.m., will cover issues such as authority to launch preemptive military attacks abroad and the ability to conduct surveillance without a warrant.
Michael D. Ramsey, USD professor of law, will go head-to-head with John Yoo, professor at UC Berkeley’s Boalt Hall School of Law. Yoo helped create the Patriot Act, federal legislation passed in response to the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, which increased the authority of law enforcement in order to fight terrorism.
“The war on terror and the Patriot Act have brought the war power issue to the forefront of today’s best legal minds,” said Dean of USD School of Law Kevin Cole in a press release. “The original intent of the Constitution with regards to the balance of power is a topic both Michael Ramsey and John Yoo know intimately.”
The ongoing war on terror and resulting use of the Patriot Act have raised questions about wartime privacy and interpretations of the Constitution, both of which will be discussed at the event.
“This debate, like all of our interactive events, allows us and bring top legal minds from around the country to San Diego to expand the educational experience for our students, alumni and the greater San Diego community,” said Patrick Riedling, assistant director of communications at USD.
The debate is hosted by USD School of Law’s Center for the Study of Constitutional Originalism and is held at the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice Theatre, 5998 Alcala Park.
This event is free and open to the public, but reservations are required. Call (619) 260-6848 or e-mail [email protected] to make a reservation.
In addition, John Yoo will be signing his latest book, “War by Other Means: An Insider’s Account of War on Terror,” (available for purchase at $24) following the debate.