Title: Constitutional Rights Foundation
Headings: Articles
Articles
BRIA 19 4 a The Patriot Act: What Is the Proper Balance Between National Security and Individual Rig
The Patriot Act and Privacy
The Debate Over the Patriot Act
For Discussion and Writing
For Further Information
Patriot Act Background
Critics of the Patriot Act
Defenders of the Patriot Act
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A C T I V I T Y
National Security and Freedom

Content: have introduced the Rights of Individuals Act. This is a comprehensive bill, addressing a number of issues related to the Patriot Act. One part of the Murkowski-Wyden bill would limit "sneak and peek" searches. Those whose homes or offices had been searched under "sneak and peek" would have to be notified within seven calendar days. Attorney General Ashcroft and other Americans defend the Patriot Act. " We are at war," Ashcroft says, "and we have to do things differently than we did before." He points out that the only purpose of the Patriot Act is "to prevent terrorists from unleashing more death and destruction." Ashcroft also argues that the courts and Congress still safeguard the constitutional rights of Americans. Public opinion has consistently supported the Patriot Act. An August 2003 Gallup Poll asked whether the Patriot Act goes too far, is about right, or doesn't go far enough in restricting people's civil liberties.