Course

Course Summary
Credit Type:
Course
ACE ID:
CDSE-0025
Organization's ID:
ED503
Location:
Online
Length:
16 weeks (35 hours)
Dates Offered:
Credit Recommendation & Competencies
Level Credits (SH) Subject
Graduate 3 constitutional law
Description

Objective:

The course objective is to provide the tools for identifying Constitutional issues that may arise during the course of developing or implementing Department of Defense (DoD) security policy so that the issues can be anticipated and averted through proper planning.

Learning Outcomes:

  • examine the separation of national security powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the federal government
  • distinguish the President's Defense/National Security powers according to Article II of the U.S. Constitution
  • examine the congressional national security authorities, specifically the legislative branch for governance and funding of the armed forces
  • analyze eight national security law decisions of the Supreme Court
  • explain the evolution of the federal government's preeminent power, and the collaborative effort between state and federal government agencies
  • examine court rulings based on the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, called the Bill of Rights, and the fourteenth amendment
  • examine individual rights applicable not only to the federal government, but also through the fourteenth amendment to the state governments
  • focus on the personnel security program by surveying some of the key constitutional issues for determining suitability for access to classified information/programs and revocation
  • examine conditions under which the government may detain civilians for national security or public safety reasons
  • evaluate some of the tools that may be used in maintaining the security of Department of Defense (DoD) assets and personnel, while at the same time protecting constitutional liberties
  • analyze issues surrounding free speech rights and the legitimate security interests of the government
  • analyze the fourth amendment, executive authority, and enforcing neutrality in cyberspace, regarding the constitutionality of government action as it pertains to advances in communications
  • examine a sampling of various ethical issues that may arise within the context of DoD Security.
  • assess the deficiencies in the Articles of Confederation according to Case Law Marbury v. Madison

General Topics:

  • Pre-Constitutional framework
  • Constitutional framework
  • How to brief Constitutional case law
  • Introduction to the separation of defense/national security powers
  • The President's defense/national security powers
  • Introduction to the congressional national security powers
  • Courts' defense/national security powers
  • Federal-state relations
  • Bill of Rights
  • Personnel security
  • Detention
  • Insider threats
  • Constitutional issues raised by WikiLeaks
  • Constitutional issues raised by advanced communications technologies
  • Resolving Constitutional issues within the DoD security environment
  • Professional ethics and the roles of the DoD security professional and the lawyer
Instruction & Assessment

Instructional Strategies:

  • Audio Visual Materials
  • Case Studies
  • Discussion
  • Lectures
  • Practical Exercises

Methods of Assessment:

  • Examinations
  • Performance Rubrics (Checklists)
  • Quizzes
  • Written Papers
  • discussion forums

Minimum Passing Score:

80%
Supplemental Materials