The Patriot Act

Paper Summary:

The paper asserts that although there are points of the Patriot Act that seem to threaten individual freedom, the basic point of the law was to protect American citizens from further terrorist attacks. The paper argues that those who believe the Patriot Act represents a grave breaking of basic individual freedoms ignore the fact that governmental agencies cannot obtain personal data without the approval of a judge. The paper further contends that the Patriot Act does not break the privacy right stipulated in the Fourth Amendment.

From the Paper:

"The Patriot Act has generated great controversy since it was signed into law on October 26, 2001. The Act was created as a form of support for the government in the fight against terrorism and it immediately passed as a law after the tragic events of September 11. The opponents of the Patriot Act argue that the law abridges essential freedom and that it allows governmental agencies the right to break basic freedoms guaranteed through the Constitution under the pretext of fighting against terrorism. They claim that every citizen can easily become a victim under this law as it broadens too much the power of governmental authorities to invade the individual freedom."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Abramson, Larry and Maria Godoy, The Patriot Act: Key Controversies, December 16, 2005, available at http://www.npr.org/news/specials/patriotact/patriotactdeal.html;
• McCarthy, Andrew C., "The Patriot Act without Tears: Understanding a Mythologized Law", National Review, Vol. 56, June 14, 2004;
• McKenna, George, and Stanley Feingold, eds., Taking Sides. Clashing views on controversial political issues, McGraw-Hill/Dushkin, Dubuque, Iowa, 2005.

More papers on The Patriot Act:

• Argumentative Essay # 129966 : "The Patriot Act's Impact on American Society"
• Analytical Essay # 134468 : "Opposition and Support for the Patriot Act"
• Analytical Essay # 141693 : "The Patriot Act"
• Analytical Essay # 88544 : "The Patriot Act"

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