Joshua L. Dratel

Joshua L. Dratel is a prominent criminal defense attorney and author based in New York City who has handled numerous high-profile national security and terrorism cases. He gained widespread recognition for his work as defense counsel in cases involving accusations of terrorism, cybercrime, and civil liberties issues. Dratel served as lead defense counsel in several notable cases, including representing David Hicks, the first Guantanamo Bay detainee to be convicted by military commission. He also defended Ross Ulbricht in the Silk Road trial and has worked on cases involving WikiLeaks. His written works include "The Torture Papers: The Road to Abu Ghraib" (co-edited with Karen J. Greenberg), which compiles government documents relating to U.S. detention and interrogation policies. Dratel has contributed extensively to legal journals and publications on topics related to national security law, terrorism trials, and constitutional rights. Dratel's expertise in complex federal criminal cases and national security matters has established him as a significant voice in discussions about civil liberties and constitutional rights in the post-9/11 era. He continues to practice law while maintaining involvement in legal scholarship and advocacy work.

Reviews focus mainly on "The Torture Papers," Dratel's compilation of government documents about Abu Ghraib. Readers value the book as a primary source collection documenting U.S. torture policies, though some note it requires background knowledge to navigate effectively. What readers liked: - Comprehensive collection of official memos and documents - Detailed chronological organization - Allows readers to trace decision-making processes - Useful reference for researchers and legal scholars What readers disliked: - Dense legal language makes it challenging for general readers - Minimal commentary or analysis included - Some found the 1249-page length overwhelming - High price point ($75+ hardcover) mentioned as barrier Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (41 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (22 reviews) Notable reader comment from Amazon: "An invaluable but sobering compilation. Not light reading but essential documentation of how torture became policy."

The Torture Papers: The Road to Abu Ghraib (2005) - A compilation of government documents and memoranda revealing the development of U.S. detention and interrogation policies following September 11, 2001, with emphasis on the events leading to Abu Ghraib.

How Patriotic is the Patriot Act?: Freedom Versus Security in the Age of Terrorism (2005) - An analysis of the Patriot Act's impact on civil liberties and constitutional rights in America's legal framework.

Glenn Greenwald - Known for his coverage of surveillance programs and national security reporting, particularly the Edward Snowden revelations. His work focuses on civil liberties, constitutional rights, and government overreach in national security matters.

Karen J. Greenberg - Director of the Center on National Security at Fordham Law School who writes extensively about terrorism, national security policy, and detention issues. She has authored multiple books examining post-9/11 legal policies and their impact on civil rights.

James Risen - Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who covers national security, intelligence operations, and government surveillance. His work investigates the intersection of constitutional rights and national security policies, with particular focus on post-9/11 programs.

David Cole - Legal scholar and National Legal Director of the ACLU who writes about constitutional law and national security issues. His books examine the balance between civil liberties and national security measures in the U.S. legal system.

Jameel Jaffer - Former ACLU deputy legal director who writes about surveillance, military detention, and government secrecy. His work focuses on national security policy and its impact on constitutional rights.