Torture, detention without trial, secret surveillance of citizens, power to strip citizens’ rights on suspicion of terrorism—the list of alleged misdeeds by the Bush administration in its so-called war on terror is highly troubling, reminiscent of the abuses for which the American colonies declared independence from Britain. For months debate has stirred on how the nation should address these violations of civil liberties and discipline the officials responsible for them. America has asked three distinguished lawyers to make the case for one of three alternatives: taking preventive action, convoking a blue-ribbon committee of inquiry or bringing criminal charges.

“Legal Obligations,” William Michael Treanor

“Truth and Consequences,” David Cole

“No Excuses,” Mary Ellen O’Connell

This article appears in August 3 2009.