State Department Legal Adviser Addresses War on Terrorism

John B. Bellinger, III, Legal Adviser of the Department of State, discussed the International Legal Issues raised by the War on Terrorism on Wednesday, March 7 at the Center for Global Business and Development on the campus of the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law.

Mr. Bellinger was sworn in as the Legal Adviser to the Secretary of State on April 8, 2005. He is the principal adviser on all domestic and international law matters to the Department of State, the Foreign Service, and the diplomatic and consular posts abroad. He is also the principal adviser on legal matters relating to the conduct of foreign relations to other agencies and, through the Secretary of State, to the President and the National Security Council.

Dean Parker notes, "John Bellinger has been the person in the Bush Administration who has worked diligently to raise issues of international law; his advocacy is at least partially responsible for the moderation that is beginning to appear in some of the Administration's positions. He has also been asked to serve as the principal spokesman for the importance of international law to American foreign policy and I am particularly pleased to welcome him to our campus."