The Centuries-Old Legal Doctrine Looming Over Trump’s Paris Climate Decision
- Trump set to decide soon on U.S. role in Paris climate accord
- Foes of deal warn that it imperils Trump regulatory rollbacks
Trump's Mysterious Feelings on Global Warming
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If the U.S. withdraws from the Paris climate accord -- an option gaining favor among top White House advisers -- Charming Betsy may be partly to blame.
Or, more specifically, the Charming Betsy doctrine. That’s a legal principle stemming from a 213-year-old case involving a schooner of the same name. It says that federal policies should be interpreted, when possible, so they don’t conflict with international laws.