Korematsu v. United States addressed internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. The Court ruled that national security can override individual liberties. Which principle did the Court emphasize?

• A. Civil liberties are always protected, even in wartime
• B. National security interests can override individual rights in wartime
• C. The Court cannot review wartime decisions
• D. The government must compensate internees

Answer: (B)

In wartime, the government is allowed to act with exceptional urgency to protect national security, even if that means limiting some personal freedoms. In Korematsu, the Court upheld the internment of Japanese Americans by arguing that the nation’s need to guard against espionage and to maintain military security outweighed individual rights in that emergency context. The principle then emphasized is that national security interests can override individual rights in wartime. This is the best answer because it directly reflects the Court’s justification: deference to executive and military necessity during a crisis can justify restricting civil liberties. It’s important to recognize that this stance is controversial and has been heavily criticized in later discussions, but the question asks specifically what principle the Court highlighted in that decision.