U.S. Patriot Act and Civil Rights

Paper Summary:

The paper argues that the US Patriot Act violates many of the basic human rights of individuals and makes Americans less secure than ever before. The paper illustrates its point with many examples that show how the Patriot Act has resulted in violations against the civil rights of U.S. citizens and against the Constitution. The paper concludes that while the USA Patriot Act increases security in some areas, it has greatly reduced the security of Americans in many other areas of their lives.

Outline:
Introduction
Statement of Thesis
The Argument
Troubling Provisions of the USA Patriot Act
Civil Rights Violations
Summary and Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Following the events of September 11, 2001, legislation has occurred which has ludicrously removed the rights of citizens instead of serving to bolster and support citizen's rights in the United States. Furthermore, while the leaders of the United States are speaking of 'safety and security' the reality is that at no other time in history has the rights, safety and security of American citizens been so greatly compromised. The USA Patriot Act was passed in its first form in the "Uniting and Strengthening American by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism' act six weeks after the events of September 11, 2001." (Wronkiewicz, 2002, p. 1) One result of this is related in the work of Wronkiewicz who states that resulting from the USA Patriot Act is what is termed a "tense position" for the library community in its role as "guardians of intellectual freedom." (2002, p. 2) "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bohn, Kevin (2003) Patriot Act Reports Documents Civil Rights Complaints. 31 July 2003. CNN Law Center. Online available at: http://www.cnn.com/2003/LAW/07/21/justice.civil.liberties/index.html
• Carafano, James Jay (2007) Securing the Home Front. The Heritage Foundation. 10 July 2007. Online available at: http://www.heritage.org/Press/Commentary/ed071107a.cfm
• Drew, Kevin (2002) Balancing Life and Liberty: Danger to Civil Liberties when Security is Strengthened - CNN Law Center 10 Sept 2002. Online available at: http://archives.cnn.com/2002/LAW/09/05/ar911.civil.liberties/
• Houses, spaces raided throughout the Twin Cities (2008) Coldsnap Legal 30 Aug 2008. Online available at: http://coldsnaplegal.wordpress.com/2008/08/30/houses-spaces-raided-throughout-the-twin-cities/
• Lindsey, LJ (2006) Anarchist Home Builders Navigate Police Intimidation at G8 Summit. The NewStandard 10 June 2004. Online available at: http://newstandardnews.net/content/index.cfm/items/514

More papers on U.S. Patriot Act and Civil Rights:

• Argumentative Essay # 48686 : "U.S.A. Patriot Act"
• Persuasive Essay # 70162 : "USA Patriot Act"
• Persuasive Essay # 74620 : "The Patriot Act"

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