Military tribunals and presidential power

About this book

Shows that the breadth of presidential power in time of war comes at the cost of legislative and judicial control--and that military tribunals represent a concentration of power in the executive branch that the United States would be quick to condemn in other countries. Although the use of military tribunals can be necessary and even effective in times of war, Fisher contends that these courts present a grave danger to open government and the separation of powers. Citing the constitutional provision vesting Congress with the authority to create tribunals, Fisher addresses the threats posed by the dramatic expansion of presidential power in time of war--and the meek efforts of Congress and the judiciary to curb it. Fisher cuts to the bone of today's controversies and sounds an alarm for maintaining the checks and balances we value as a nation. --From publisher description.