From: Samantha Atkins (samantha@objectent.com)
Date: Thu Sep 05 2002 - 18:56:24 MDT
This article gives a short overview of some fundamental
Constitutional rights that are seriously threatened by post 9/11
legislation. I believe we should pay very sober attention to
these things. That they aren't using this for the moment
against you or anyone you know is no reason not to take note of
how the concept of what the government can do legally to its
citizens is shifting in very dangerous directions.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A40078-2002Sep5.html
Overview of Changes to Legal Rights
The Associated Press
Thursday, September 5, 2002; 11:47 AM
Some of the fundamental changes to Americans' legal rights by
the Bush administration and the USA Patriot Act following the
terror attacks:
– FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION: Government may monitor religious and
political institutions without suspecting criminal activity to
assist terror investigation.
– FREEDOM OF INFORMATION: Government has closed once-public
immigration hearings, has secretly detained hundreds of people
without charges, and has encouraged bureaucrats to resist public
records requests.
– FREEDOM OF SPEECH: Government may prosecute librarians or
keepers of any other records if they tell anyone that the
government subpoenaed information related to a terror investigation.
– RIGHT TO LEGAL REPRESENTATION: Government may monitor federal
prison jailhouse conversations between attorneys and clients,
and deny lawyers to Americans accused of crimes.
– FREEDOM FROM UNREASONABLE SEARCHES: Government may search and
seize Americans' papers and effects without probable cause to
assist terror investigation.
– RIGHT TO A SPEEDY AND PUBLIC TRIAL: Government may jail
Americans indefinitely without a trial.
– RIGHT TO LIBERTY: Americans may be jailed without being
charged or being able to confront witnesses against them.
© 2002 The Associated Press
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