Judge Declares Patriot Act in Violation of Fourth Amendment

The Patriot Act, by requiring electronic communication companies to turn over private information on customers without a warrant or other court order, violates the Fourth Amendment’s protection against unreasonable search and seizure. That’s clear to anyone who has read the Fourth Amendment and the Patriot Act.

Still, you don’t have to take my word for it. There is also the official legal opinion of U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero to consider. Judge Marrero writes in a ruling issued on September 6, 2007 that the Patriot Act “offends the fundamental constitutional principles of checks and balances and separation of powers” because government orders to search and seize private information must be subject to judicial review.

That’s what the Fourth Amendment states in clear, easy to understand English. Still, if you have to have the word of someone in authority to confirm what is plain for any literate American to see, now you have it. Thank you, Judge Marrero.

(Source: Associated Press, September 6, 2007)