Readers weigh in on prosecuting for government actions in the wake of 9/11

Readers discuss executive power and the law; torture; and prosecution for government acts in the wake of the terror attacks. Read their opinions and share yours.

When should a government be permitted to violate its own laws? How should such occurrences be handled after the fact? In this issue's Forum, Charles Fried, Beneficial professor of law at Harvard, and his son Gregory Fried ’83, professor of philosophy at Suffolk University, examine legal and philosophical arguments, with examples from American history. The authors focus their attention on the response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks—and ultimately disagree about whether they favor prosecution of government officials.

Read the article, then answer our question to readers this issue:

Do you think the U.S. government's actions in the wake of 9/11 were justified? Do you favor prosecution for some elements of the response to the terror attacks?

We hope you'll join the conversation by leaving a comment below. (Please note: because this discussion is moderated, your comment will not appear immediately.)

Related topics

You might also like

Your Views on Harvard’s Standoff, Antisemitism, and More

Readers comment on the controversial July-August cover, authoritarianism, and scientific research.

Free Speech, the Bomb—and Donald Trump

A Harvard cardiologist on the unlikely alliances that shaped a global movement to prevent nuclear war

Why Harvard Needs International Students

An ed school professor on why global challenges demand global experiences

Most popular

The Life of a Harvard Spy

Richard Skeffington Welch’s illustrious—and clandestine—career in the CIA

What Trump Means for John Roberts’s Legacy

Executive power is on the docket at the Supreme Court.

Why Taxi Drivers Don’t Die of Alzheimer’s

Explaining taxi and ambulance drivers’ protection against Alzheimer’s disease.

Explore More From Current Issue

Aisha Muharrar with shoulder-length hair, wearing a green blazer and white shirt.

Parks and Rec Comedy Writer Aisha Muharrar Gets Serious about Grief

With Loved One, the Harvard grad and Lampoon veteran makes her debut as a novelist.

Three book covers displayed on a light background, featuring titles and authors.

Must-Read Harvard Books Winter 2025

From aphorisms to art heists to democracy’s necessary conditions