2007-09-20 11:47:05 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
1. Federal agents may conduct surveillance and searches against U.S. citizens without "probable cause" to suspect criminal activity. The targeted person is not notified and cannot challenge the action.*
2. The government no longer has to give notice, obtain a warrant or a subpoena, or show probable cause that a crime has been committed. Persons turning over personal data to the government (such as librarians, co-workers or neighbors) are prohibited, under threat of federal criminal prosecution, from telling anyone they did so.*
3. Agents can conduct "sneak-and-peek" searches without prior notice in common domestic crime investigations. Before the Patriot Act, courts required law enforcement to "knock and announce" themselves before conducting searches.*
...and that's just the tip of the iceberg regarding how the patriot act violates a person's constitional/ civil rights.
2007-09-20 11:52:05 · answer #1 · answered by Cassor 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't.
Nothing in the Patriot Act changes the way evidence is presented, or even what type of evidence is admissible.
One provision -- which has twice been declared unconstitutional (in 2004, and then again last month after then 2005 updates) -- makes certain evidence "legal" where it had not previously been, which affects whether evidence obtained in that manner is admissible.
But that type of evidence -- documentary records -- was always admissible, given a proper foundation and if legally obtained. The Patriot Act just attempted to expand how much could be legally obtained without a warrant.
2007-09-20 18:52:17 · answer #2 · answered by coragryph 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It expands avenues already taken by officials to collect data and makes it more substantial in court. None of this is new for those of you who feel betrayed. Now we can prosecute people for real who commit crimes, especially treasonous ones & sabotage against the United States. I don't understand why no one is awake to the facts here. Before it was understood, and people got off on loopholes. It closes the knot tighter. Thanks.
2007-09-20 19:29:23 · answer #3 · answered by Mele Kai 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's the most misnamed legislation ever.
2007-09-20 18:51:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋