The Patriot Act and Civil Liberties

Paper Summary:

On October 24, 2001, just six weeks after the September 11th attacks and under the guise of national security, a prosecutor's wish list, not limited to terrorists, was born. This paper argues that, while the Patriot Act contains many appropriate provisions, it is specifically oppressive in reference to some of its expansive powers, which infringe on citizens' civil liberties. It further argues that the United States, the original model of democracy around the world, should be able to protect and defend itself without sacrificing the constitutional rights granted to its citizens.

From the Paper:

"Furthermore, the aforementioned searches are not subject to the sunset clause attached to some of the Patriot Act's extended powers. What is particularly ominous about these searches is underlined by Tracey Maclin, a leading expert on the Fourth Amendment. Professor Maclin warns that these break-ins are not tied only to cases in which national security or threats from foreign agents appear to be the focus of investigations. It can apply to any criminal investigation (as cited in Hentoff, War 40). Therefore, with the sneak and peak warrants, the government can break into any citizens home, search and confiscate anything deemed necessary, and avoid notifying the person for an indefinite amount of time."

More papers on The Patriot Act and Civil Liberties:

• Persuasive Essay # 58933 : "The Patriot Act: Are Civil Liberties at Risk?"
• Cause and Effect Essay # 109099 : "The Patriot Act"
• Persuasive Essay # 105907 : "Arguments Against The Patriot Act"

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