Patriot Act

1
Patriot Act

• Please read through the articles and websites
  outlining support and opposition for/to the
  Patriot Act.
• As you read, take note of 5-6 arguments on each
  side.
• After you've read 
• Write a brief (7-10 sentence) paragraph arguing
  either for or against the Patriot Act
• Be sure to include the arguments found in the
  articles - WHY are you opposed/in support?
• Some questions to ponder as you research
• How does the Patriot Act define "domestic
  terrorism"?
• Do you think participants in public protests
  could ever be accused of "domestic terrorism"
  under this definition? Why or why not?
• The Justice Department has proposed that the
  government should be able to ask a court to
  revoke the citizenship of any American who
  provides "material support" to terrorists. Do you
  support the proposal? Why or why not?
• Do you believe that the Patriot Act goes too far
  on the side of security and, in fact, serves to
  threaten individual liberty?  Why, or why not?

2
Imagine that the U.S. government suspects that
you know about terrorist activities or are a
terrorist.Should the government have the right

1. to obtain your business and medical records
   because you rented a room in your house to a
   terrorist suspect. 
2. to search your home without a warrant. 
3. to tap any telephones you use and to keep your
   computer under surveillance. 
4. to put you in prison indefinitely without
   specific charges while it looks for evidence of
   your association with terrorists. 
5. to keep your identity secret while you are in
   prison. 
6. to try you before military judges, not a
   civilian jury. 
7. to listen in on your conversations with your
   lawyer. 
8. to use hearsay evidence against you in your
   trial. 
9. to keep you in prison even if you have been
   acquitted of all charges. 
10. to prevent you from appealing the decision.

3
US Action During War

• Read US Action 
• Do you agree with the actions taken by the
  federal government?  Why or why not?
• How could they have responded differently? 
• Discuss with a neighbor

4
Guantanamo Bay (GITMO)

• As we watch, take notes on
• How prisoners are treated
• How soldiers act within the camp.
• Note your thoughts about the prison in Cuba