You are a U.S. Senator facing an upcoming vote on whether or not to renew provisions of a law that gives the government wide-reaching powers to investigate possible terrorists and terrorism organizations. … Before voting for or against the provisions, you need to decide: To what extent should the government limit individuals’ ability to freely access and share information a decade or more after a catastrophic attack on the nation?
Boumediene v. Bush (2008)
Do detainees at Guantanamo Bay have the constitutional right to challenge the legality of their confinement using a writ of habeas corpus? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered that question in 2008.
Hamdi v. Rumsfeld (2004)
Can a U.S. citizen captured in Afghanistan, who the President claims was an “enemy combatant,” be detained indefinitely? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered that question in 2004.
Rasul v. Bush (2004)
Rumsfeld v. Padilla (2004)
The Patriot Act: What Is the Proper Balance Between National Security and Individual Rights?
Running Toward Danger: Viewing Guide
This video tells the story of Sept. 11, 2001, in New York City through primary source interviews and news footage. Ask your students to explain the role of journalists in covering catastrophes.