Joseph Margulies

Joseph Margulies is an American legal scholar, civil rights attorney, and professor of law and government at Cornell University. His work focuses on civil liberties, criminal justice reform, and national security law in the post-9/11 era. Margulies gained prominence as lead counsel in Rasul v. Bush (2004), a landmark Supreme Court case that established the right of Guantanamo detainees to challenge their detention in U.S. courts. He has represented multiple Guantanamo prisoners and written extensively about detention policies and human rights in the context of counter-terrorism. His books include "Guantánamo and the Abuse of Presidential Power" (2006) and "What Changed When Everything Changed: 9/11 and the Making of National Identity" (2013), which examine the legal and cultural transformations in American society following the September 11 attacks. These works have become significant references in discussions of civil liberties and executive power. Beyond his academic work, Margulies has maintained an active civil rights practice and continues to advocate for criminal justice reform. His writings regularly appear in academic journals and major media outlets, where he addresses issues of constitutional law, human rights, and criminal justice policy.

Readers appreciate Margulies' detailed research and clear explanations of complex legal topics, particularly in his work on Guantanamo and civil liberties. Several readers note his ability to balance academic rigor with accessibility. On Goodreads, "What Changed When Everything Changed" receives an average 3.8/5 stars from 38 ratings. Readers highlighted the book's thorough examination of post-9/11 policy changes. Some criticized the dense writing style and extensive footnotes as disrupting the flow. Amazon reviews (4.2/5 average from 12 reviews) praise his firsthand experience representing Guantanamo detainees. One reader called "Guantánamo and the Abuse of Presidential Power" an "authoritative account," while another noted it was "too focused on legal minutiae." Common criticisms include: - Academic tone can be dry - Some sections get too technical with legal details - Arguments occasionally repeat across chapters Most reviewers across platforms recommend his books for readers specifically interested in civil rights law and post-9/11 policy rather than general audiences.

What Changed When Everything Changed: 9/11 and the Making of National Identity (2013) Examines how American identity and attitudes towards marginalized groups transformed after the September 11 attacks.

Guantánamo and the Abuse of Presidential Power (2006) Documents the legal and human rights issues surrounding the Guantánamo Bay detention camp and executive authority in the War on Terror.

Power without Constraint: The Post-9/11 Presidency and National Security (2016) Analyzes the expansion of presidential powers in national security matters following September 11, 2001.

What's Next? The Problems and Prospects of American Criminal Justice Reform (2022) A comprehensive assessment of the US criminal justice system's challenges and potential paths for reform in contemporary America.