Review of Detention Policy Options
Jan 27, 2009
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Jan 22, 2009
Published on: Jan 27, 2009
Jan 27, 2009
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Jan 22, 2009
Published on: Jan 27, 2009
Summary
Creates a special group to review legal ways to handle people caught during military and anti-terrorism actions.
What problem does this solve?
The government needed clear and lawful rules for what to do with people captured during armed conflicts. This order creates a special task force of top officials to review all legal options and recommend the best policies.
What does this order do?
Establishes a special interagency task force
Creates the Special Task Force on Detainee Disposition to review and identify lawful options for handling individuals captured in armed conflicts or counterterrorism operations.
Defines the task force's mission
Assigns the task force to conduct a full review of all legal options for the detention, trial, transfer, or release of captured individuals.
Specifies high-level membership
Appoints the Attorney General and Secretary of Defense as co-chairs, with members including the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security, and directors of national intelligence agencies.
Requires a report to the President
Mandates the task force to provide a report on its findings to the President within 180 days of the order.
Who does this affect?
- Individuals captured in armed conflicts and counterterrorism operations
- U.S. government agencies involved in national security
- Military and intelligence personnel
What is the real world impact?
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Ensures lawful and just treatment
Creates a formal process to make sure that how the U.S. handles captured people is legal, fair, and serves the country's best interests in security and foreign relations.
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Addresses past controversies
Responds to criticism over past detention practices by creating a high-level, interagency review to establish clear, legally sound policies, which could help restore the nation's reputation on human rights.
When does this start?
This order takes effect on January 22, 2009, and sets a deadline for a special task force to complete its work.
Task Force Report Deadline
The Special Task Force must provide its report to the President within 180 days of January 22, 2009.