In its context, the PATRIOT Act was devised as a way of fighting terrorism and defending the US against terrorists. The act strengthened the law enforcers to employ sophisticated tools against terrorists, in the same manner they have been used to fight acts of criminality such as drug dealing.
Through the Patriot Act, it has become possible to implement numerous primary initiatives. One of the major initiatives implemented is in ensuring the United States is protected from another terrorist attack. The Act improved the ability of the federal government to carry out investigations on threats to national security (Al-Istrabadi & Ganguly, 2018). Tools of investigations have been improved to match the modern technology, and eliminating issues that hinder effective investigations. Through the act, it has been possible to add numerous safeguards to provide security to American’s civil liberties and privacy, establishing tools to stop methamphetamine, and strengthening port security.
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While the US government has increased efforts to fight terrorism and improve on security, it has often found it difficult to avoid conflict with civil liberties. In order to strike a balance, the Patriot Act amended Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) to permit the attorney general to give powers to the domestic criminal surveillance to serve under his jurisdiction. In addition, the Act gives power to the authority to utilize surveillance techniques. The powers allow the FBI and other security agencies powers to carry out phone and Internet investigations, in addition to carrying out search on property (Lidberg & Muller, 2018). To avoid violation, the authority has strived to establish new regulations and policies that ensure civil liberties are protected and respected. To strike a balance, individuals suspected of carrying out terrorism activities must be allowed access to counsel. While the government has a role of prosecuting terrorists, it needs to be careful not to undermine civil liberties.
References
Lidberg, J. & Muller, D. (2018). In the Name of Security Secrecy, Surveillance and Journalism. Anthem Press
Al-Istrabadi, F. & Ganguly, S. (2018). The Future of ISIS: Regional and International Implications. Brookings Institution Press
