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

Making Waves with Philosophy

A conversation with Harvard professor Michael Sandel

For Campus Speech, Civility is a Cultural Practice

A former Harvard College dean reviews Princeton President Christopher Eisgruber’s book Terms of Respect.

Your Views on Conservatism on Campus, Doxxing, and More

Readers write in about international students at Harvard, the September-October cover, and changes at the Chan School of Public Health.

Most popular

Why Men Are Falling Behind in Education, Employment, and Health

Can new approaches to education address a growing gender gap?

Is Ultraprocessed Food Really That Bad?

A Harvard professor challenges conventional wisdom. 

The 1884 Cannibalism-at-Sea Case That Still Has Harvard Talking

The Queen v. Dudley and Stephens changed the course of legal history. Here’s why it’s been fodder for countless classroom debates.

Explore More From Current Issue

Anne Neal Petri in a navy suit leans on a wooden chair against an exterior wall of Mount Vernon..

Mount Vernon, Historic Preservation, and American Politics

Anne Neal Petri promotes George Washington and historic literacy.

A silhouette of a person stands before glowing domes in a red, rocky landscape at sunset.

Getting to Mars (for Real)

Humans have been dreaming of living on the Red Planet for decades. Harvard researchers are on the case.

A busy hallway with diverse people carrying items, engaging in conversation and activities.

Yesterday’s News

A co-ed experiment that changed dorm life forever