- 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?
P. Williams says the new war is a war on terror, a war on emotions. A war on terrorism, is a war of the mind, rather than a war against a specific body of land, water, or resources. The war on terrorism is so loosely defined it leaves so much room for misinterpretation, which continues this cycle of fear, racism, and segregation. The war also tiptoes around violating some of our constitutional amendments.
2. 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?
In my opinion, roving wiretaps of the Patriot Act seems to violate the first, fourth, fifth, and sixth amendment. Roving wiretaps can potentially violate the first amendment of anyone who comes in contact with the target and if people find out about roving wiretaps taking place they could stop speaking freely because of fear. I think it violates the fourth amendment because the roving wiretap provision allows the government to watch multiple devices without specifying which one they are watching and the fourth amendment requires any search or surveillance to be specific and based on. It also could violate the fifth and sixth amendments because you can’t exercise your right to remain silent if you are on recording saying something incriminating, and in turn that can violate your right to counsel and a fair trial because the government will already have your statements against you, incriminating you.
3. What about “Sneek and Peek” Warrants?
Sneek and peek warrants allow the FBI to search a home or business before notifying the person or place of interest. This can violate the fourth, fifth and sixth amendment. This could violate the fourth amendment because the fourth amendment requires notice of a search, this protects people’s rights. It could violate the fifth amendment, if they have already entered your home and taken evidence without you knowing. This means you weren’t able to see or challenge the warrant and it can affect your right to due process. Due process is supposed to stop any violation of life, liberty, or property without proper procedures. Finally it could violate the sixth because you didn’t have a chance to call your lawyer or challenge the warrant, which violates your right to counsel.
