Law Enforcement

Highlights:

Collection: Counterextremism and Counterterrorism Initiative

Introducing Just Security's new Collection on the evolving threats of violent extremism and terrorism.

The Case for a German Structural Investigation into Crimes against Humanity in Iran

Experts argue that Germany should open a structural investigation into Iran's December 2025 and January 2026 crackdown on protesters.
The USS Gravely, a US Navy warship, departs the Port of Port of Spain on October 30, 2025.

America’s War on Drug Smugglers at Sea Is Unlawful—and It Is Failing

U.S. strikes against suspected drug-trafficking vessels mark an unlawful expansion of military force into what has long been—and should remain—a law enforcement mission.

Collection: U.S. Lethal Strikes on Suspected Drug Traffickers, Operation Southern Spear, Operation Absolute Resolve

Collection of expert analysis on the legality of the U.S. strike on Venezuelan vessels in the Caribbean, the consequences of the strike, and related issues.
Close-up view of the California State Capitol dome in Sacramento, featuring allegorical sculptures beneath a row of Corinthian columns.

State Imperatives to Protect Civil Rights for All

States need independent agencies with jurisdiction to enforce their residents’ rights so the valuation of those rights are evenhanded and not subject to political will.
A law enforcement officer in riot gear and a gas mask stands in the foreground, seen through a chained fence. Behind the fence, protesters hold signs reading "ICE OUT NOW," "RESTORE CONSTITUTIONAL LAW," and "ICE KILLS."

Collateral Accountability: The Oldest Check on Federal Lawlessness

As a federal-level accountability desert forms, states are reviving "collateral accountability" — damages suits against federal officers who violate constitutional rights.
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780 Articles
A man's hand holds up the cover page of lawsuit naming Gavin Newsom as plaintiff and Donald Trump as defendant, with the bear emblem from the California state flag visible in the background.

Commandeering, Coercion, and Executive Power

States have constitutional protections against commandeering and coercion — but face a new challenge when the federal government sidelines states completely.

“In Focus” Syllabus Supplements: ICE and CBP Operations in Minnesota and Other States (2025–2026)

This syllabus supplement offers curated articles intended to be combined with traditional casebooks in a law or higher ed classroom.
The detectives sit in the foreground, the man in a suit jacket, the woman in a blouse, their backs to the camera, across a table from the prisoner, whose hands are folded atop the edge of the table, which is covered with files and photos and a tape recorder. A video recorder on a tripod is to the left.

Effective Interviewing, Not Torture: Lessons from the Méndez Principles Five Years On

The Mendez Principles, drafted to end the use of torture in interrogations, are being implemented variously across regions and institutions.
In this picture obtained from Iran's ISNA news agency on June 18, 2026, vessels are seen anchored in Bandar Abbas along the Strait of Hormuz.

Expert Q&A: Decoding the Treasury Department’s Actions on Iran

How to understand the Treasury Department's sanctions relief for Iran's oil sector, its quick reversal, and what to look for going forward.
A banner featuring US President Donald Trump hangs on the outside of the Department of Justice headquarters ahead of a press conference with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announcing annual healthcare fraud takedown results in Washington, DC on June 23, 2026.

Trust, But Verify: Three Grand Jury Reforms to Hold the Government Accountable

Steps should be taken to strengthen grand juries by giving courts and defense counsel more tools to act as a much-needed check on prosecutors.
Front of building with columns and the words "United States Courthouse"

“Zero Evidence”: How Judges and Grand Juries Have Rejected Trump Administration Efforts to Investigate and Prosecute

A detailed record of federal courts and grand juries rejecting the Trump administration’s use of subpoenas, search warrants, and indictments.
A red and white cargo ship at sea in the distance, with a yellow crane-like piece of equipment, presumably at the terminal, in the foreground.

Merchant Mariners: Unseen in Peacetime and Forgotten in Conflict

The U.S.-Israeli war with Iran illustrates how thousands of merchant mariners, so desperately needed globally, increasingly are trapped at sea during times of conflict.
The Pentagon, headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense, is seen from the air on February 8, 2025, in Washington, DC.

How to Choose Which Military Members to Hold Accountable for Illegal Boat Strikes

A retired judge advocate explains how a future administration could decide who to prosecute for the illegal strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats.
A giant gray rectangular warehouse-like building, with some green-roof areas, is ringed by internal roads and flanked on the left by smaller accessory buildings, all surrounded on at least three sides by forest.

It Takes More Than Two to Tango: Creating Effective Export Controls on Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment

The U.S. needs to lead a new export control regime -- coordinating with its partners and allies -- to constrain China’s ability to produce advanced and foundational chips.
The United Nations Security Council meets on the Middle East, at UN Headquarters in New York, on June 10, 2026.

A Path For Middle Powers and a Rules-Based International Order: A Functional Perspective

German scholars argue that from a realpolitik perspective, commitment to international law is essential for States whose power is limited.
The Declaration on Independence as seen on aging paper.

Reflections from Today’s Judiciary on the Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence

Many actions taken by the current administration echo the grievances laid out in the Declaration of Independence against King George III.
A police officer in a dark blue uniform, his back to the camera, wears a bulletproof vest reading INTERPOL, as he walks through an airy hall with light-colored flooring, a few white counters and a large green plant at the left of the image.

Why Interpol’s Member Nations Should Reject Its New Privileges and Immunities Agreement

The accord would make it easier for autocrats to abuse Interpol’s famous Red Notices and other mechanisms to persecute those seeking refuge abroad from repression at home.
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