Intelligence & Surveillance
Just Security’s expert authors provide legal and policy analysis of intelligence and surveillance activities, focusing on their impact on national security and on civil liberties and privacy rights, and their oversight by Congress and the courts.
1,846 Articles

Dutch Court, Applying IHL, Delivers Civil Judgment for Victims of 2007 Afghanistan Attack
"Ideally, a judgment like that in the Chora case can provide, in addition to justice for the plaintiffs, a constructive effect towards a better functioning of the military consistent…

The Just Security Podcast: Eliminating the Judicial “Blue Slip”
An obscure process called the “blue slip,” allows a single Senator to stop a judicial nomination in its tracks.

The Year of Section 702 Reform, Part I: Backdoor Searches
Requiring a warrant for U.S. person queries honors the balance between security and liberty struck in the Fourth Amendment and ensures that Section 702 can’t be used to get around…

A Big Few Weeks for Guantanamo: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
"It’s been an uncharacteristically Guantanamo-news-filled few weeks – some good, some bad, some ugly. Here’s a quick rundown of recent developments."

Dear Senator Durbin, It’s Time to End the “Blue Slip” for Judicial Nominees
It's long past time for the Senate to abandon the anti-democratic "blue slip" process for judicial nominations.

The IC’s Biggest Open-Source Intelligence Challenge: Mission Creep
Expanding US open-source intelligence collection comes with key risks and trade-offs.

Permanently Winding Down the War on Terror Requires Greater Transparency
Increased transparency is needed to ensure the United States makes a definitive turn away from endless war.

Rep. Jordan’s Dangerous New Panel is Nothing Like the Church Committee
The 1970’s era probe of executive branch intelligence abuse was honest oversight that spurred improvements benefiting the American people.

Could Biden Face Charges? The Alberto Gonzales Precedent Says Not
The Gonzales declination appears to be a precedent that will weigh heavily in favor of DOJ closing its Biden investigation without a charge.

Tracker: Evidence of Trump’s Knowledge and Involvement in Retaining Mar-a-Lago Documents
"We have compiled a comprehensive account of the publicly available information."

Vice Presidents and Rules Governing Classified National Security Information
Uncovering an historical episode involving Vice President Cheney that cast doubt on status of vice presidents and classified information system - with a call for Congress to close…

Setting the Board: Congressional Investigations and the New House Rules Package
Expert Explainer on the new House of Representatives' Rules Package and what it means for investigations and oversight.