Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act

One of the sharpest debates being played out during America’s war on terror pits the government’s national security interests against an individual’s right to privacy. Recent amendments to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance act have given the government expanded powers for electronic investigation under the act. Many have voiced concerns that with such broad rules the personal freedoms enshrined in American tradition are in danger, despite the protestations of federal officials who say they will not abuse their authority. Given the current threats to US security and revelations about intelligence failures leading to September 11 2001, there is a case to be made that national security trumps individual liberty in certain cases. As questions arise over ‘battlefield detainees’ and the fate of those held for undisclosed violations, the importance of law enforcement regulations takes centre stage. This book provides an overview and analysis of one the United States’ most crucial intelligence-gathering statutes. In order to fully comprehend the domestic battles being waged over the proper balance between national security and personal liberty, the study presented here is an invaluable resource.