The Patriot Act
U.S.
The Secret Court of Terror Investigations()
December 13, 2005 The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court oversees surveillance of suspected spies and terrorists. Its power has grown since the passage of the Patriot Act. Critics worry about the secrecy that surrounds the proceedings, but FBI agents say undue concern about civil liberties hinders surveillance.
Law
The Patriot Act: Provisions Expiring Dec. 31()
July 18, 2005 A full list of the 16 surveillance provisions of the Patriot Act set to expire on Dec. 31, 2005.
Politics
Key Players in the Renewal Process()
July 18, 2005 The Patriot Act is approaching its fourth anniversary and has already outlived a number of its designers, as key figures move in and out of the Bush administration. Here are some of the major players in the debate today.
Law
Justice Department Credits Act with Success()
July 20, 2005 Though critics assail the Patriot Act's potential for abuse, the Justice Department credits the expanded arsenal of investigative tools that the law created with helping it crack several cases. A look at the success stories the government cites.
Law
Critics Allege Abuses of the Law()
July 20, 2005 The Justice Department says there have been no reported abuses of the Patriot Act. But critics say that because the act mandates secrecy about many of its uses, Americans may never know whether their privacy has been violated. Here's a look at cases used to illustrate alleged abuses of the law.
Taking Issue: Let Investigators Do Their Job()
July 20, 2005 A strong supporter of the Patriot Act defends the so-called library records provisions, Section 215. She says investigators need the information and that there's no evidence criminal investigators have abused similar rights.
Taking Issue: Checks Are Needed to Protect Rights()
July 20, 2005 A prominent critic of the Patriot Act says "Fix it, don't nix it." James X. Dempsey argues that the act can and should be amended to protect civil liberities without jeopardizing terror investigations.
