1. In Pursuit of Justice: Prosecuting Terrorism Cases in the Federal Courts
- Author:
- Richard B. Zabel and James J. Benjamin Jr.
- Publication Date:
- 05-2008
- Content Type:
- Course Pack
- Abstract:
- This White Paper examines the capability of the federal courts to handle criminal cases arising from international terrorism. In the Paper, we focus on terrorism that is associated— organizationally, financially, or ideologically—with self- described “jihadist” or Islamist extremist terrorist groups like al Qaeda. 1 Many observers have expressed views on this important subject. 2 Some have argued for prosecuting terrorist criminals outside of the civilian court system; others have called for the establishment of an entirely new “national security court.” 3 A premise of such arguments is that the traditional court system is not well-equipped to handle international terrorism cases. We aim to explore that premise.
- Topic:
- Security, Civil Society, Islam, Terrorism, and Governance