This March, 32 students from 23 countries came to DIILS to discuss the legal challenges associated with combating terrorism.  The three week Legal Aspects of Combating Terrorism (LCT) course emphasizes the importance of interagency and international cooperation to effectively counter terrorist threats, and included presentations from non-DOD USG experts and foreign military specialists in the field.

The LCT course, offered each year in March and August, addressed a range of legal issues related to the use of force, to include domestic law enforcement, internal armed conflict, and international armed conflict.  FBI agents and a prosecutor who investigates and prosecutes terror crimes contrasted pre- and post- 9/11 cooperation and coordination practices among U.S. law enforcement agencies.  A representative of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence explained the reorganization of the U.S. intelligence community following 9/11.  Guest speakers from the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka shared their respective countries’ experiences and lessons learned in fighting terrorism.  During a field studies trip to New York City, the class heard from a representative of the United Nations’ Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate who described UN initiatives to advance international cooperation in combating terrorism, and explained their on-going efforts to enhance the counterterrorism capabilities of individual countries.  Participants also briefed classmates on their nations’ particular experiences in combating terrorism.