The U.S. Patriot Act

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The US Patriot Act Privacy can be considered one of the most valued rights of a civilized society. The founders of the constitution had this in mind when they developed search and seizure laws to protect the privacy of the citizens from the British soldiers. The invasion of privacy has been a much discussed and debated topic among both politicians and private citizens alike, and the question many are asking is, “How much freedom do we give up for our sense of security?” The US Patriot address issues of criminal activities in relation to acts of terror. While its intentions are well meant the controversy lies more in the public perception rather than in what the act itself states. When a person hears the statement, “law enforcement agencies will have the right to place surveillance, or search anyone’s house on a suspicion alone, they fail to look farther into the words and see that it has to go through a panel of 11 judges who must determine that the need is valid and will serve the purposes designated without overstepping a citizens rights if proven innocent (Bill Summary, 2001). Title II, Section 206 of the Patriot Act addresses “roving surveillance,” which allows law enforcement agencies access to the suspects person, and basically states that any communication such as email, phone, etc., my be monitored if subject is suspected or actively affiliated with known terrorist groups or ...

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