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The Posse Comitatus Act: Venerable Safeguard—Or Old Hat?

Moderated by Rep. Bob Barr, R-Georgia and featuring David Kopel, Associate Policy Analyst, Cato Institute; Stephen Halbrook, Appellate Attorney; Paul Schott Stevens, Partner, Dechert International Law Firm; and Margaret Stock, Professor, Department of Law, U.S. Military Academy.

The Cato Institute
1000 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001

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Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, the U.S. military has been taking on more domestic security responsibilities. Soldiers have been stationed at airports, and military jets are now patrolling the skies over Washington, New York, and other cities. The Bush administration has directed lawyers in the departments of Justice and Defense to review the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 and any other laws that restrict the military's role in domestic law enforcement. Is the Posse Comitatus Act out of date—or is it more important than ever before? How might the military enhance security? What are the implications for civil liberties? Please join us for a debate concerning the role of the military in homeland security.