Question

What are some constitutional concerns someone might have about the Patriot Act of 2001?

Answer 1

The USA PATRIOT Act was enacted in 2001 as a reponse to the September 11 attacks and signed by President George Bush. The name of this act is actually an acronym which stands for "Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001"

It has generated controversy since its enactment as, due to the provisions included to increase national security. Its promoters argued it was a necessary measure to suceed on the war against terrorism. On the other hand, its detractors claimed that these provisions went against individual freedoms and basic civic rights.

For example, Tittle II confers increased powers to surveillance agencies and bodies dependent of the federal government. Some of these powers include authorizations for detentions of immigrants of indefinite duration, or to search homes or businesses without the consent or knowledge of its owner or tenant.