Final Essay Assignment: "Do we need an emergency constitution?"

The final essay is due on Monday, December 17, by 3 PM in my mailbox in the Legal Studies office (Gordon Hall 102).   It should be 5-6 pages, double-spaced.  This counts as 20% of your grade.

In this essay, evaluate the Ackerman’s thesis and argument in the context of the current “war on terror.”  Explain how, according to Ackerman, the way things have worked in the past do not apply to the current “war on terror” and what he proposes to do in light of this new paradigm.  Evaluate his proposal.  What assumptions does his analysis rely on?   Do you agree or disagree with those assumptions?  Will his proposal enhance or diminish the security of the United States?  Why? 

 You may assume that your reader (me) is familiar with the book.  You don’t need to go into a lot of detailed explanation.  For instance, if you refer to a term like “effective sovereignty,” you may assume that I know what that means.  What I’m looking for is YOUR evaluation of Ackerman’s proposal in light of what you have learned about civil liberties in wartime.  Try not to get bogged down in refuting minor details; there are many parts of this proposal you could pick away at.  Stick to the bigger picture.  Having said that, though, be sure to back up your analysis with specifcs.  A strong essay will have a clearly stated thesis, resting on reasoned arguments, backed up with concrete evidence.  A strong essay will be well written with references to material you rely on to make your argument.  There are no right or wrong answers here; just stronger and weaker arguments. 

I would be glad to go over your rough draft and give you feedback before you have to hand in the final version.  I will be available during my regular office hours on Wednesdays, 1-4 PM, and on Friday, December 14, from 11 AM to 1 PM.