U.S. military and intelligence personnel are permitted and expected under standard military protocol to refuse orders that are unlawful or that would violate the law or the Constitution.
November 23, 2025
high
procedural
This describes a durable principle of military and legal obligations regarding unlawful orders.
An executive order can direct the Director of National Intelligence, in consultation with heads of other departments and agencies, to review intelligence community activities over a specified multi-year period and to identify instances of alleged weaponization of government functions.
high
procedural
Describes a general authority and process by which an executive order can initiate interagency reviews of intelligence community activities.
In federal prosecutions that involve classified or sensitive materials, documents are subject to review by components of the intelligence community before production in discovery.
medium
procedural
Explains a common procedural step where intelligence agencies assess classification and sensitivity prior to sharing materials with defense counsel.
In U.S. federal criminal cases involving classified information, documents and electronic devices are typically subject to review by the intelligence community and by court-appointed filter teams before being produced in discovery.
high
procedural
Procedures applied during discovery in cases that involve classified materials to protect sensitive information and privilege.