The law significantly abridges essential freedom as it expands powers or authority of federal as well as state government to monitor private act of any American, whether or not suspicious, including monitoring of web surfing and phone calls, access to the records of Internet Service Providers, and even private record of any person involved in legitimate strike or demonstration. Opponents also view language used in the Act as unclear allowing vague interpretation of the Act challenging basic human rights of the citizens. The authority given to the government to violate individuals' privacy crosses the boundaries set in the Constitution as agencies can monitor e-mails impose new requirements of book-keeping on financial institutions to acquire information posing threats to freedom, privacy, eroding basic civil rights. These activities are, in fact, against the right of freedom provided to the citizens regarding their privacy in the U.S constitution. Extensive and wide discretion of searching has been given to the government providing access to educational, financial, and health records. The Patriot Act allows for 'sneak and peak' activities abridging freedom as law enforcement agencies are allowed to probe even public libraries or bookstore records without any notification. It is argued by the opponents of the act that it delays issuance of search warrants notifications so law enforcement agencies may delay giving appropriate notice for conducting a search. The Act, as per critics, was altogether not necessary as it has not provided extra efforts to fight terrorists. ![]() As such it is against the First Amendment. The major criticism of the Patriot Act is that it violates the civil rights and freedom of Americans. (Greenwald, 2006) Controversies in the Patriot Act However, events of September 11 have altered the scenario and the dire need of today is striking a balance between acquiring information related to national security and the civil rights. Traditionally, privacy and liberty of American citizens was considered a top priority compared with the national security. The fight against terror has to be made not only by using military means but all intelligence gathering as well as law enforcement agencies should coordinate and cooperate with each other to respond and prevent terrorist acts. It is considered as the response of U.S government to the September 11 attacks and supporting to make workable strategies for the future threats. Moreover, it breaks down the wall built between intelligence and law enforcement agencies using available modern technology. The Patriot Act provides effective tools to combat terror. Proponents, however, highlight its significance and consider it as an effective weapon provided to law enforcement agencies while ensuring freedom privacy, and equality of American citizens. The critics, however, are of the view that the Patriot Act is not successful in defending nations and does not sustain the vital balance of protecting privacy or individual freedom as provided in the Constitution and information required by the nation to counter terror activities to be performed by the law enforcement agencies and, therefore, efforts are needed to change the Act. It is pertinent to mention that civil freedom of American citizens is not only important during wartimes but also in the period of peace, as such the Patriot Act preserves both. The law focuses on improving the counterterrorism efforts of intelligence and law enforcement agencies of the United States. After attacks of September, 11, the nation's top most priority is to defend its citizen from the terrorists using all information in the areas of finances, religious organizations, health etc. The law enforcement agencies and the government are given wide discretionary powers to acquire information not only from suspected people but also from the law-abiding Americans. Major purpose of the Patriot Act is to break wall of regulatory and legal polices existing between the law enforcement agencies and intelligence to share essential as well as related information. ![]() ![]() It is, in fact, a significant weapon for nation's fight against terror. Through Patriot Act, the law enforcement agencies of the Untied States are given the most effective tools to combat terrorists having intentions or plans to attack the nation. In this context, the Senate, the House of Representatives, and President Bush pledged to respond within boundaries set by the Constitution confronting and preventing terrorist attacks. The dreadful and terrifying events of September 11 necessitated and increased government's responsibility to take effective measures for preserving lives of the people and ensuring independence of the society.
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