The attacks of September 11, 2001, have presented unusual and arguably unprecedented challenges to American legal values and institutions. This course will explore some of the ways in which our legal system is responding to those challenges. We will examine these responses from various perspectives: positive (How have legal institutions been engaged in combating terrorism?), normative (To what degree have responses of our legal system compare to responses to terrorism in other nations?). We will consider the USA Patriot Act of 2001, the confinement of suspected terrorists at the Guantanamo Naval Base in Cuba, the indefinite detention of resident aliens since September 11, the seizure of assets of organizations suspected of ties to terrorism, the terrorism-related prosecutions commenced by the United States government and other related topics. We will consider each topic from the perspectives of statutory, constitutional, and where relevant, comparative and international law. Assessment is based on a research paper, brief written responses to assigned reading, a short presentation, and class participation. There is no final exam for this course. Enrollment is limited to 24 students.