Sessions Information

  • January 9, 2010
    10:30 am - 12:15 pm
    Session Type: AALS Hot Topic Programs
    Session Capacity: N/A
    Location: N/A
    Room: Grand Ballroom A
    Floor: First Floor

    The Obama Administration has quickly transformed US policies on interrogations.  Since the issuance of the August 24, 2009 DOJ memorandum on interrogation policies, it has been made clear that all interrogations conducted by any branch of the government must be conducted in accordance with the Army Field Manual.  This marks a sharp departure from the policies that were in place under the Bush Administration and establishes a standard that is more restrictive than CIA Director Panetta had requested.  This panel will examine both legal and policy questions raised by the memorandum and the policy change it completes.  Is this change overly restrictive of US intelligence collection operations or given the latitude that it leaves for the future development of “new lawful techniques” is it not restrictive enough?  Were these changes required to make US policy conform with international law or do they consciously go beyond international law requirements?  If they are more restrictive than current international law, do they represent an emerging norm of customary international law with regard to interrogation policies?

Session Speakers
University of California, Davis, School of Law
Speaker

Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University
Speaker

The University of Texas School of Law
Speaker

Ohio Northern University, Pettit College of Law
Moderator

Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University
Speaker

Session Fees
  • 6225 Hot Topic Program: The Transformation of US Interrogation Policy: $0.00