The Patriot Act Free Essay Example, 1000 words

This analytical research paper will throw light upon the Patriot Act in general while highlighting its strengths as well as weaknesses. The Patriot Act can be evaluated in the light of â€Å"necessity, productivity and oversight† (Strickland), concepts that can dig into the foundations of the Act. III. Commenting on Section 202: Enhanced penalties to the federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act A. Although not directly relevant to the war on terrorism, this section has been proved to be extremely useful in launching war against computer-related and e-crimes. Hence, it’s both logical and helpful and thus has earned itself the right to stand where it does in the Patriot Act. IV. Commenting on Section 203: Sharing of law enforcement information with intelligence officials A. This provision has again proved to be quite helpful and rational in gathering adequate â€Å"law enforcement information† on grounds of â€Å"probable cause of criminal action†. B. However, YES the information must NOT be provided to the law-enforcing agencies and other linked authorities simply because it is â€Å"required†. This is because, this reasoning clearly lacks proof and necessity and instead causes undue suspicion associated with the risk factors. We will write a custom essay sample on The Patriot Act or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now Due to lack of established ground for conducting an intelligence activity with the absence of â€Å"probable cause† also generates public opposition, which can prove detrimental to the cause of the Act rather than assisting the government in running security checks. C. However, with slight reasonable modifications, this section can be made appealing to the masses and less threatening to the public and thus effectively waging a war against terrorism. V. Commenting on Section 207: Extension of duration of FISA electronic surveillance and physical search orders A. This provision directly impacts the efforts against terrorism and has done so quite positively. Implemented and used only with the approval of an appointed federal judge, this provision has resulted in substantial time saving. VI. Commenting on Section 215: Broadened authority to seek intelligence court orders for information A. This is by far the MOST controversial provisions put forth in the Patriot Act and thus has been the major bone of contention among the polarized public of America. According to the opponents of the Patriot Act, this provision in the Act openly and courageously violates civil liberties and hence threatens the security of the public at large. This is because with this aid of this provision, government and other intelligence agencies can now intrude upon all â€Å"tangible things† of the American individuals in the name of war against terrorism, without their consent or their knowledge of the same.