On Friday, September 7, 2007 the American Constitution Society for Law and Policy and the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law held a day-long conference entitled, “Building Freedom, Building Security: the Challenge of the Next Five Years.” The event was held at New York University School of Law in New York City.

Governor Thomas Kean and Senator Gary Hart, two of the nation’s leaders in national security policy, co-chaired the conference. Previously Governor of New Jersey, Governor Kean chaired the 9/11 Commission. Senator Hart co-chaired the bipartisan U.S. Commission on National Security/21st Century, which presciently identified the terrorist threat prior to 9/11. They brought to the event an unparalleled combination of public service, and experience at the leading edge of thinking about national security.

The conference gathered leading experts on various aspects of national security policy who addressed how to safeguard the nation consistent with the traditional American values of preserving democracy, respecting the rule of law, and protecting individual and human rights.

Topics discussed include:

• Definitions and Priorities: The Challenge of Counterterrorism
• The Challenges of Gathering Intelligence and Conducting Investigations
• The Will to Justice: Prosecuting Suspected Terrorists
• Building Checks and Balances for National Security Policy: The Role of Congress

The day for student participants concluded with "Working in Freedom and Security: A Discussion on Careers," where experienced attorneys discussed how to pursue career opportunities in the areas of civil liberties and national security.