War Powers, War Crimes, & Wartime Detention? : A Discussion of the Trump Administration’s Iran Actions

The Trump administration’s decision to kill Iranian military leader Qassem Soleimani without congressional authorization will have vast repercussions, geopolitical and otherwise. Indeed, the consequences are already being felt by U.S. citizen Iranian Americans who have been detained and questioned while traveling home from abroad. Amid threats of retaliation by the Iranian government, President Trump has threatened military action that would target 52 Iranian sites, including important cultural sites, which experts argue would constitute a war crime. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has defended the administration's actions as a lawful response to imminent, direct threats to Americans, but some contend that case has not and must be made to Congress.

Join ACS for a discussion of the legality of the strike, threatened further military action, and the detention of American citizens based on their nation of origin. 

Featured Speakers:

Stephen Vladeck, A. Dalton Cross Professor in Law, The University of Texas at Austin School of Law

Cecillia Wang, Deputy Legal Director and Director of Center for Democracy, ACLU

Debra Perlin, Director of Policy and Program, ACS, Moderator

The American Constitution Society is a State Bar of California approved CLE provider. This event has been approved for 1 hour of California MCLE credit.

For CLE documentation, click here.