10 October 2001

ACLU Breakdown on Anti-Terrorism Legislation to Increase Police Powers

The ACLU has posted an excellent writeup comparing and commenting on the various proposed legislative acts to thwart terrorism by increasing and expanding prosecutorial powers - the Anti-Terrorism Act plugged by the Bush administration, the House PATRIOT bill and the Senate USA Act. Basically, the ACLU is opposed to the legislation because it (1) reduces and/or eliminates the role of judges ensuring law enforcement wiretapping is conducted legally and with proper justification, (2) dangerously erodes the distinction between domestic law enforcement and foreign intelligence collection, (3) the definition of "terrorism" is too broad - even acts of civil disobedience could lead to "terrorist" prosecutions, and (4) it is believed that the U.S. government is moving unnecessarily and irresponsibly quickly on these measures.

Security and civil liberties do not have to be at odds. Law enforcement authorities already have great leeway under current law to investigate suspects in terrorist attacks - including broad authority to monitor telephone and Internet communications. In fact, under current law, judges have rejected only three federal or state criminal wiretap requests in the last decade.

Yes, if you haven't already figured it out, I am opposed to these proposed acts ...

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