U.S.A. Patriot Act: Compatriot in Arms or Enemy of American Civil Liberty?

Abstract

To help ensure the physical security of the Homeland, the President requested and the Congress passed the USA Patriot Act. The President in his National Strategy for Homeland Security states that this legislation is an important step in protecting America. This strategic means of combating terrorism and defending the homeland, however, has come under tremendous criticism. There is great concern this Act severely diminishes the civil rights of the American people and violates the Constitution. This paper will analyze the most controversial provisions of the Act, the obstacles they face in the courts of law and public opinion, propose alternative courses of action, and makes a recommendation that will meet the President's objective while maintaining public support and withstanding legal challenges.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 07, 2003
Accession Number
ADA415311

Entities

People

  • Kenneth J. Lassus

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Civil Rights
  • Congress
  • Criminal Investigations
  • Domestic Terrorism
  • Employment
  • Freedom Of Speech
  • Governments
  • Homeland Security
  • Law
  • Law Enforcement
  • National Security
  • Personnel Management
  • Privacy Rights
  • Students
  • Supreme Court
  • United States
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • Educational Psychology
  • Government and Public Administration Law.