"Targeted Killings, the Constitution, and You: U.S. Drone Policy and Citizens’ Rights” will be a conversation held in honor of Constitution Day on Wednesday, September 17, 2014, 7:30–9:30 pm, in Emerson Suite B, Campus Center."Targeted Killings, the Constitution, and You: U.S. Drone Policy and Citizens’ Rights” will be a conversation held in honor of Constitution Day on Wednesday, September 17, 2014, 7:30–9:30 pm, in Emerson Suite B, Campus Center.
Drone technology has several promising business and benign applications. But it also has some frightening ones—such as targeting and killing people. The U.S. government claims that “targeted killings” are necessary for national defense and fighting terrorism, yet many innocent civilians in several countries have been killed by drones. Outrage has grown about these deaths and about the fact that President Obama has claimed constitutional authority as commander in chief to use drones to kill U.S. citizens accused of potential or actual terrorist acts.
In whose hands should this new technology be trusted? What constitutional rights do citizens have in the age of fighting terrorism with lethal drones?
Jens David Ohlin, professor of law at Cornell University, will discuss these questions and more in an interview-style conversation with Carlos Figueroa, IC assistant professor of politics. What are some of the moral, political, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of armed drones for national security purposes and the stripping of citizens’ constitutional protections? The conversation will be followed by an audience-participation Q&A. A book signing and a reception with light refreshments will follow.
Ohlin specializes in international and criminal law. He also researches the laws of war, particularly the impact of new technology such as drones and cyber-warfare. His books include Targeted Killings: Law and Morality in an Asymmetrical World (Oxford University Press 2012, with A. Altman & C. Finkelstein) and Defending Humanity: When Force is Justified and Why (Oxford University Press 2008, with George Fletcher).
Figueroa researches and teaches in the areas of American political development, religion and racial politics, U.S. citizenship, and historical/interpretive policy analysis. He joined the IC faculty in 2013.
Please see the excellent resource/study guide prepared by Ithaca College librarians John Henderson and Cathy Michael.
The event is cosponsored by the Department of Politics, Office of the Provost, and Park Center for Independent Media.
What: “Targeted Killings, the Constitution, and You: U.S. Drone Policy and Citizens’ Rights”
Who: Jens David Ohlin and Carlos Figueroa
When: Weds., Sept. 17, 2014, 7:30–9:30 pm
Where: Emerson Suite B, Phillips Hall/Campus Center
Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact Karen Emnett at (607) 274-7918 or kemnett@ithaca.edu. We ask that requests for accommodations be made as soon as possible.
https://www.ithaca.edu/intercom/article.php/20140911120903581