The Division of United States Studies at the
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars announces the book launch of
Presidential Constitutionalism in Perilous Times, by Scott M. Matheson, Jr., S. J. Quinney College of Law, University of Utah, on May 27, 2009, from 2:00-4:00. The announcement explains,
What is appropriate scope of presidential power during a crisis? How far can presidents go in bending or breaking the rules to protect the country from serious, even irreparable, harm? Presidential Constitutionalism in Perilous Times examines this quandary, from Abraham Lincoln’s suspension of the writ of habeas corpus during the Civil War, Woodrow Wilson’s enforcement of the Espionage Act of 1917 during World War I, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s evacuation and internment of West Coast Japanese during World War II, Harry S. Truman’s seizure of the steel mills during the Korean War to George W. Bush’s torture, surveillance, and detention programs following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Join us for a discussion of serious constitutional concerns about individual liberties and assertions of executive power in wartime.
Harvey Rishikof, Professor of National Security Law, National War College, will comment. The event is free and open to the public, but RSVP to This is a free public event, but RSVPs are requested to usstudies@wilsoncenter.org. It will take place in the 6th Floor Moynihan Board Room, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC.
