About
Craig Forcese is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Law (Common Law Section) of the University of Ottawa, where he has taught since 2008. He also serves as an Adjunct Research Professor and Senior Fellow at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs (Carleton University) since 2017. His practice spans national security law, public international law, and constitutional law, with a focus on the intersection of security and civil liberties.
- B.A. Joint Honours in Anthropology/Geography, McGill University
- M.A. in International Affairs, Norman Paterson School of International Affairs (Carleton University)
- LL.B. (summa cum laude), University of Ottawa
- LL.M., Yale University
His research centers on national security law, including intelligence oversight, secrecy, and counterterrorism frameworks. In public international law, he analyzes the regulation of military force and authored the acclaimed historical analysis on the Caroline affair. His public law work addresses Canadian democratic governance and judicial structures. He maintains a hobbyist interest in sports law, particularly cycling regulations.
His publications reveal trends in national security accountability, comparative anti-terrorism frameworks, and international law's role in armed conflict. Recent works include analyses of intelligence oversight mechanisms and historical foundations of modern legal standards on force.
Scientific awards include:
- 2019 American Society of International Law Certificate of Merit
- 2017 Canadian Civil Liberties Association Award
- 2016 Canadian Lawyer Magazine Top 25 Influential
- 2014 University of Ottawa Excellence in Teaching Award
- 2016 CLSA Book Prize for False Security
- 2016 Reg Robson Award
Craig supervises LLM and doctoral students in Canadian/comparative national security law and public international law. He served as Vice Dean (Graduate Studies) 2018-2021 and Vice Dean (JD Program) 2011-2014. He is currently a Vice Chair of Canada's National Security and Intelligence Review Agency (NSIRA).
