Courts and Terrorism
Nine Nations Balance Rights and Security

Courts and Terrorism examines the response of judiciaries in nine separate nations to terror tactics and the common themes experienced.

Mary L. Volcansek (Edited by), John F. Stack, Jr (Edited by)

9781107614314, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 1 May 2014

284 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.5 cm, 0.38 kg

Since ancient times, terror tactics have been used to achieve political ends and likely will continue into the foreseeable future. Preserving national security and the safety of civilian populations while maintaining democratic principles and respecting human rights requires a delicate balancing act. In democracies, monitoring that balance typically falls to the courts. Courts and Terrorism examines how judiciaries in nine separate nations have responded, not just to the current wave of Al Qaeda threats, but also to narco-trafficking, domestic terrorism and organized crime syndicates. Terrorism is not a new phenomenon, and even though the reactions have varied significantly, common themes emerge. This volume discusses eleven case studies and analyzes the experiences of these various nations in their battles with terrorism to reveal the judicial quandary for democratic governance and the rule of law in the twenty-first century.

Introduction Mary L. Volcansek
1. Detention and security versus liberty in times of national emergency David M. O'Brien
2. One more casualty of the 'war on terror' Aya Gruber
3. State secrets and democratic values Louis Fisher
4. What lessons can be drawn from a sui generis case? The global 'war on terror' and Northern Ireland Richard Finnegan
5. The British experience with terrorism: from the IRA to Al Qaeda Mary L. Volcansek
6. Detention and treatment of suspected terrorists under the European Convention on Human Rights Donald W. Jackson
7. Australia's commonwealth model and terrorism Michael C. Tolley
8. Judicial rejection as substantial relief: the Israeli supreme court and the 'war on terror' Menachem Hofnung and Karen Weinshall-Margel
9. Preserving rights and protecting the public: the Italian experience Carlo Guarnieri
10. 'Squaring the circle': fighting terror while consolidating democracy in Spain Blanca Rodriguez Ruiz
11. Democracy and terrorism in Colombia Victor M. Uribe-Urán and Harry Mora
Conclusion: lessons learned Mary L. Volcansek and John F. Stack, Jr.

Subject Areas: Terrorism law [LNFV], Courts & procedure [LNAA], International courts & procedures [LBHG], Comparative law [LAM], Comparative politics [JPB]