Executive Branch

Just Security’s expert authors provide analysis of the U.S. executive branch related to national security, rights, and the rule of law. Analysis and informational resources focus on the executive branch’s powers and their limits, and the actions of the president, administrative agencies, and federal officials.

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4,623 Articles
The Ukrainian serviceman is wearing fatigues and a Balaclava. The room looks bare with rough, chipped walls.

Non-Coercive Interrogation Outlined in New UN Manual Advances Méndez Principles

Practical steps, based on the Mendez Principles, promote ethical, more effective practices to end torture and reduce crime and violence.

How the Georgian Government, Once a US Ally, Became an Adversary, Against the Wishes of Its Protesting Citizens

Western leaders will have to respond quickly to deter the ruling Georgian Dream party from further repression against its opposition.

Irrefutable Evidence for Unspeakable Crimes? The Role of the Written Order in Proving and Denying Genocide

An explicit written order has not been -- nor should be -- necessary, whether for international justice or for collective memory.

Key Takeaways from Biden Administration Report on Israeli Use of US Weapons

On Friday, May 10, the Biden administration released its overdue first report required by National Security Memorandum 20 (NSM-20) assessing the conduct of Israel and other foreign…
Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), talks to reporters with (L-R) Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN), Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), Senate Minority Whip Richard Durbin (D-IL), Sen. Peter Welch (D-VT), Sen. Edward Markey (D-MA), Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI)

State Department Submits Key Report to Congress on Israel’s Use of US Weapons

The State Department submitted its NSM-20 report on Israeli assurances that use of U.S. weapons will follow international law.
The US Supreme Court is seen in Washington, D.C. The sky is sunny and blue, and bushes and trees stand outside the building.

What Happens After Supreme Court Rejects Trump’s Absolute Immunity: Mapping 3 Scenarios

Mapping different outcomes for the Court's decision on Trump's presidential immunity and the follow-on procedural pathways emerging from those scenarios.
An overhead view of the Pentagon building in Washington, DC.

For Another Year, DoD Fails to Make Condolence Payments to Civilian Harm Victims

Despite recent reforms, the Pentagon still has not made any condolence payments for civilian harm resulting from U.S. military operations.

No, Trump Was Not Good for US Alliances. And Without Changes, Trump 2.0 Will Be Worse.

His supporters' endorsements of his record belie his flouting of the ties of trust required for a rules-based international order.

Keeping Count: Major Adverse Legal Findings Against Donald Trump (Nov. 2020-2024)

Tracking former President Donald Trump's string of major defeats in the legal system after the 2020 election.
A Yemeni man browsing the news on his laptop screen that broadcasts U.S.-U.K. warships

US-UK Strikes in Yemen Raise Questions About Commitments on Civilian Harm Mitigation

It is urgent for both the U.S. and U.K. to address concerns of civilian harm allegations in Yemen to fulfill their own policy commitments.
Collage of National Enquirer headlines favoring former U.S. President Donald Trump and smearing Senators Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio.

Trump Case Unveils: The ‘National Enquirer Trial’ That Never Was

Analysis of the revelations of the potential criminal case that might have been brought against the National Enquirer for actions in 2016 presidential election.
New York cityscape

Why No “Plain Statement Rule” Bars a President’s Prosecution for Murder

Drilling into the foundations of an idea - the 'plain statement rule' - discussed in Supreme Court oral argument on former President Trump's claims to presidential immunity.
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