Civil Liberties Groups Campaign to Repeal Key Provisions of USA Patriot Act

Interview with Jerome Paun, treasurer of the National Lawyers Guild, conducted by Scott Harris

Since Congress adopted the controversial USA Patriot Act 45 days after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the nation has been divided on the far-reaching legislation that critics maintain erodes American's civil liberties and constitutional protections. Congress is now reviewing 16 provisions of the Patriot Act, which expire at the end of 2005.

Among the sections of the Patriot Act under scrutiny are the "library provision," which permits the government to secretly seize personal records and documents from libraries, bookstores, businesses and hospitals. Those asked for such records can be prosecuted if they divulge the request. Other sections that will not expire this year, such as the "sneak and peek" provision, have drawn criticism for allowing secret government searches of a suspect's home with only delayed notification to the owner.

Since its adoption, five state legislatures and 375 cities and towns across the U.S. have passed resolutions condemning the Patriot Act. Now, a coalition of progressive and conservative groups are campaigning to repeal key provisions of the legislation. Between The Lines' Scott Harris spoke with Jerome Paun, treasurer of the National Lawyers Guild, who examines the widespread concern over controversial elements of the USA Patriot Act.

Contact the National Lawyers Guild by calling (212) 627-2656 or visit their website at www.nlg.org

Related links:

"Patriot Debates: A Sourceblog for the USA PATRIOT Debate," www.patriotdebates.com by the American Bar Association's Standing Committee on Law and National Security

"Gonzales Presses For PATRIOT Act Renewal," Associated Press, Apr. 5, 2005

"The Next Chapter In The PATRIOT Act," by Declan McCullagh, CNET News, Apr. 4, 2005

American Civil Liberties Union at www.aclu.org

Center for Constitutional Rights at www.ccr-ny.org

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