DATE: Feb. 9-10, 2007

EVENT: The Michigan Journal of International Law will host a symposium, “State Intelligence Gathering and International Law.” The two-day event, which is free and open to the public, begins 5 p.m. Feb. 9 with a keynote address by Jeffrey H. Smith, former general counsel to the Central Intelligence Agency.

Panel discussions begin at 9:30 a.m. Feb. 10. State intelligence plays an increasingly important role in modern international relations, policymaking, and conflict?for instance, how it can be presented to the UN Security Council to advocate for the use of international force, and how prosecutors use intelligence information in trials of alleged war criminals at international criminal tribunals.
At the same time, combating the threat of terrorism through aggressive intelligence gathering has prompted calls for greater protection of the privacy and human rights of individual citizens. The paradox is that while states may regulate intelligence gathering domestically, no significant treaties or conventions address the process, nor is it subject to any internationally recognized set of principles or standards.

This gap in international law suggests a clear need for focused discussion?one in which the symposium’s speakers and panelists will offer their insights and perspectives.

SCHEDULE: For the schedule of events and speakers, visit: http://students.law.umich.edu/mjil/symposium.htm.

PLACE: 250 Hutchins Hall, U-M Law School. Law School located at the corner of State and Monroe streets. Central Campus map >

CONTACT: Tim Harrington, symposium chair, (734) 417-8036, [email protected]