Legality of the Use of Military Commissions to Try Terrorists

Legality of the Use of Military Commissions to Try Terrorists The President possesses inherent authority under the Constitution, as Chief Executive and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States, to establish military commissions to try and punish terrorists captured in connection with the attacks of September 11 or in connection with U.S. military operations in response to those attacks. November 6, 2001 MEMORANDUM OPINION FOR THE COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT I. Background ...................................................................................................... 239…