The USA Patriot Act and domestic surveillance (particularly electronic, such as monitoring of emails, phone calls, etc.) have become an ever-increasing source of controversy among the American public, given concerns over privacy and related issues. The USA Patriot Act and other federal laws permit law enforcement and intelligence agencies a certain level of leeway with regard to domestic surveillance. However, the recent leaks by former NSA worker Snowden revealed an extensive program of surveillance by that agency and the intelligence community. This created a widespread outcry by sections of the public as well as within Congress and the legislative branch.

The result has been open and closed hearings before Congress as well as many lawsuits and other legal actions by private citizens and organizations. Clearly, there is a need for some measure of surveillance of individuals suspected of planning terrorist attacks; however, these measures are difficult to define and often necessarily covert, further complicating open discussion. Examining this controversial issue is an important part of understanding the foundations of Homeland Security.

Briefly discuss your opinion of the legal and ethical role of DHS and its component agencies in domestic surveillance of U.S. citizens as it pertains to issues related to domestic terrorism. Support your opinions with quotations from the readings. Cover such areas as privacy, surveillance, treatment, etc. Required reading: (highlight and paste the link into the web browser)

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Ethics and Laws in Homeland Security From a distinctive point of view it would be substantial to acknowledge that The USA Patriot Act and Domestic Surveillance have developed as constantly rising foun... View the full answer