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"The right of the people to be
secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against
unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no
Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or
affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and
the persons or things to be seized."
*Under the Patriot Act, a secret federal court can
issue a court order authorizing thousands of search and surveillance
activities without probable cause or any specific naming of those to be
investigated.
*Searches frequently have a "gag order"
which prohibits anyone from telling the person being investigated. This
prevents any legal court challenge to investigations to prevent abuse by
law enforcement agencies.
*The Department of Justice has restricted access to
information so that the public, media and even the Congress does not
know how these rules are being applied. This prevents the House
Judiciary Committee from reviewing actions of the Justice Department or
holding them accountable. |
