- P. Williams writes in her essay, that the war on terror is a new type of a war. What’s new about it, how is it different from traditional wars?
Patricia J. Williams argues that the war on “terror” differs from traditional wars, because it isn’t intended for a specific country or militia. In a traditional war, you have a clear understanding of who your enemy or target is. She notes, “A war against terrorism is a war of the mind, so broadly defined that the enemy becomes anybody who makes us afraid” (Williams par. 6). This shows that the war of terror exists based on fear and said fear can lead to people’s civil rights and freedoms being stripped.
- In what ways does the “Roving Wiretaps” of the Patriot Act seem to violate the Bill of Rights? Which amendment(s) does it seem to violate and why?
The “Roving Wiretaps” of the Patriot Act violates the bill of rights by interfering with our freedom of speech which is protected under the First Amendment and conducting unreasonable searches against our right to be secure under the Fourth Amendment The First Amendment is violated because no authoritative figures or entities are allowed to interfere with the way you express your thoughts or opinions, unless they have a valid reason. The Fourth Amendment to the constitution is also violated because the right to privacy is no longer upheld. The government is required to show “probable cause”, in order to obtain a warrant for a phone tap.
- What about “Sneak and Peek” Warrants?
The “Sneak and Peeks” warrants of the Patriot Act also violates the bill of rights by orchestrating an unreasonable search and seizure in our homes under the Fourth Amendment and not notifying persons of interest about a search being conducted which is protected under the Fifth Amendment. The Fourth Amendment requires a warrant to be issued upon showing “probable cause” before the government can conduct a search of any kind. The “probable cause” must also indicate what particularly needs to be searched and what things or people must be seized. In addition, the Fifth Amendment ensures that all people are made aware of any changes and evidence that may be used against them, giving us the right to due process of law. However, “Sneak and Peek” Warrants delay the notice of search, making it difficult to defend yourself against evidence seized in the search.
Works Cited
Williams, Patricia J. “The War on Terror and Human Rights.” The Guardian, 2 Dec. 2001,
www.theguardian.com/world/2001/dec/02/humanrights.usa.
