This subject examines the ways in which the laws of five common law countries have been developed in response to the possibility of terrorist attacks. Part 1 of the subject examines the 'objective' and subjective nature of the threat posed by terrorism. Part 2 examines possible responses to terrorism, and the problems of choosing responses in the face of uncertainty as to both the dimensions of the threat, and the likely effectiveness of particular responses. Part 3 examines legal responses, focusing on legal definitions; information-gathering and information protection; the proscription of terrorist organisations; terrorism offences; preventive detention; and anti-torture laws. To understand these areas of law, students will also be introduced to the constitutional, quasi-constitutional, and institutional frameworks within which counter-terror law has been developed in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

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Readings