Fighting Terrorism in Democratic Societies (From Multidimensional Terrorism, P 111-120, 1987, Martin Slann and Bernard Schechterman, eds. -- See NCJ-109023)

• NCJ Number: 109034
• Author(s): W Lasser
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 10 pages
• Sale Source: Lynne Rienner Publishers, Inc
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This paper examines the civil liberties implications of a wide variety of terrorist threats, with special attention to Lincoln's attempts to deal with the secessionist threat in 1861, the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II, and the British experience in Northern Ireland.

Abstract

Terrorist threats to U.S. citizens or property abroad or domestic terrorism by foreign nationals pose relatively little threat to civil liberties. Potential effects are more severe for (1) domestic terrorism involving splinter groups of U.S. citizens or (2) terrorism that is part of a massive rebellion or incipient civil war. The reviewed examples show that even those societies most dedicated to the rule of law and the protection of individual liberty are prone to take extreme measures when faced with a sizable terrorist threat at home. If antiterrorist policies are to deal with a terrorist threat while preserving civil rights and liberties to the greatest extent possible, antiterrorist strategies must be limited to what is absolutely necessary to protect lives and property; be flexible, allowing for both escalation and de-escalation of the antiterrorist response as the situation warrants; and be conducted in a reasonable and responsible manner. Finally, leaders must be careful not to engage in inflammatory rhetoric that overstates the threat and erodes civil liberties. 34 notes.