Program Overview

Overview of the National Security Law Course

The National Security Law course is a fall-only survey course designed to provide students, particularly those with no background in the topic, with an overview of the American legal architecture related to the U.S. security enterprise. The class will also examine related issues that arise in the news. It is aimed not only at students considering a career in government or the military but also for those headed to private practice who appreciate that the U.S.'s defense budget impacts virtually all potential clients.

Course Description

The course includes analyzing the constitutional structure governing national security matters, and the role played by the three branches of government (with special emphasis on Presidential power). It will also examine governmental surveillance, the investigation and prosecution of national security cases, as well as First Amendment issues related to national security. In addition, homeland security issues (to include the domestic use of the armed forces), security-based travel restrictions, public health emergencies, civil-military relations, and the impact of national security issues on business transactions will be reviewed.

Course Materials

The textbook for this course will be Dycus, et al., National Security Law (8th ed., 2024) ISBN as well as the National Security Law and Counterterrorism Law Supplement (which should be available in late July). Other materials will be provided as necessary.

Evaluation Methods

• Research paper, 25+ pages
• Oral presentation
• Class participation

Degree Requirements

• JD SRWP
• JD elective
• IntllLLM International Cert
• IntlLLM-SJD-EXC elective
• IntlLLM writing
• LLM-ICL (JD) elective
• PIPS elective

Pre/Co-requisites

LAW 120 CONSTITUTIONAL LAW is highly recommended, but not required, as a prerequisite for one-year LLM students.

Course Areas of Practice

• Constitutional Law and Civil Rights
• International and Comparative Law
• Law, Democracy, and Society

Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge and understanding of substantive and procedural law
• Legal analysis and reasoning, legal research, problem-solving, and written and oral communication in the legal context

Sample Syllabi

A sample syllabus is available for the course, which provides a detailed outline of the course structure, requirements, and expectations.

Previous Course Offerings

The course has been offered in previous years, with some variations in the course description, materials, and evaluation methods. The course has been taught by Charles J. Dunlap, Jr. and Shane Stansbury.

Course Format

The course is expected to include guest speakers, occasional asynchronous content, including short lectures, podcasts, and some documentary footage. Students will have advance notice of all required participation elements.

Grading

There is no examination for this course, but a 30-page research paper (constituting 65% of the grade) is required on a topic chosen by the student and approved by the instructors. With instructor approval, the course paper may fulfill the Substantial Research and Writing Project provided that all SRWP requirements are met. The remainder of the grade (35%) is based on the quality and frequency of class participation (which may include short papers and/or brief oral presentations).