As a result of the attacks on the date of 9/11, Congress passed the Patriot Act. The Patriot Act made the government’s ability to spy on individuals easier, but also weakened the checks and balances our country relies on. So in essence, the threat of terrorism against our country paved the way for violating one of our basic civil liberties under the fourth amendment of the constitution – the ability to live free of unreasonable searches and seizures. However, the ability for government agencies to obtain information quickly and without warning becomes a powerful tool against terrorism. …show more content…
First, secret searches give the government the ability to search private property without prior notice. Before the Patriot Act, a search warrant would need to be issued which can take time and effort. Now the government can act quickly to prevent terrorist activity from happening. In 2005, Levar Haley Washington’s apartment was searched under the authority of the Patriot Act and he was found to be a member of a terrorist group. Ultimately, he was charged with conspiring to attack National Guard facilities, synagogues, and other targets in the Los Angeles