Constitutional Law and Public Policy Analysis 5

Click on the following link(s) for the Week 5 Reading Assignment:

• Martial Law and National Emergency
• Martial Law and the War on Terrorism
• Title 10 Domestic Assistance New Orleans

For this nation to be truly successful in the area of homeland security, the public has a role to play as well. The task for your group is to recommend, as a group, a policy position on the subject of martial law. In the event of a terrorist attack or a natural or man-made disaster, the question posed to you is should people be required to submit to military policing of U.S. streets?

• Your instructor will divide you into small groups of 4–5 people. You are to use the Small Group Discussion Board to discuss and debate the issues in this task.
• On the Small Group Discussion Board, using the Library, Internet, or any other available materials, complete the following:
  • Make a post of 5–7 paragraphs discussing the possibility of martial law in the wake of a terrorist attack or a significant natural or man-made disaster.
    • What is the purpose of martial law? Explain.
    • What would have to be the magnitude of an event for the government to decide to initiate martial law? Why?
    • Currently, how likely do you think it is that martial law will be initiated in response to a significant terrorist attack or natural disaster? Explain.
    • With regard to the U.S. Constitution and civil liberties, what are the arguments against the use of martial law? Explain.
      • Do you agree or disagree? Explain your position.
• For this assignment, you need to do more than just comment on the other group members’ posts.
• Each group member needs to engage in a conversation with each of the other group members.
• A conversation in this context means that you engage back and forth for at least 3 posts each. All posts must be substantive, meaning they must initiate, or continue a dialogue.

Individual Portion

• Following Hurricane Katrina, citizens’ guns were confiscated, and many were forced to relocate.
• Address the following in 300–500 words:
  • Research and summarize the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act.
  • Were any constitutional rights violated during Hurricane Katrina with regard to policing by the military on U.S. soil? Why or why not?
  • Why have some argued that the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act should be eliminated? Explain.
    • Do you agree with its proposed removal? Why or why not?
• All sources must be referenced using APA style.

 Deliverable

• After the group has debated the issue in accordance with the minimum requirements and to the group’s satisfaction, the group must reach a consensus or compromise position.
• You are to deliver the group’s recommendation as to whether martial law is an appropriate action in the aftermath of a terrorist attack, or a natural or man-made disaster.
• The recommendation of 600–800 words should consist of a report detailing the group discussion, including the following:
  • Explanations of initial positions taken by group members and highlights of the ensuing debate
  • Any pertinent information obtained by group members during the Individual Portion of the assignment
  • The ultimate compromise reached by the group
• Be sure to reference all sources using APA style.