After the 9/11 Attacks, the government realized that the country needs a law that would help protect it from similar threats, thus the creation of the Patriot Act just after 43 days the event happened. It was imposed during the time when many people in the US were overcome with panic and fear, thus making it a regulation. However, since the day that the law was signed, there have been a lot of debates about its enactment, with opposing sides pushing their own strong opinions. While supporters argue that it has discouraged further terror attacks and has kept people safe, critics say that it is unlawful and needs to be abolished. To build a well-informed opinion about this subject matter, let us take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of the Patriot Act.
List of Advantages of the Patriot Act
1. It allowed investigations to speed up.
As this law has allowed government surveillance over man-made and natural barriers, investigations have become faster than before, which is essential in investigating terrorism of any kind. It allows for faster inquiries into activities that are potentially suspicious, so war criminals in the country today are no longer able to hide behind the freedom granted to the rest of the Americans.
2. It made it easier for authorities to conduct surveillance.
As the Patriot Act has made surveillance much easier, it allowed businesses and organizations to have clear division of labor between persons who are capable of investigating terrorist activities. While surveillance was difficult in the past, the law has polished it up to become more feasible.
3. It ensures attacks will be prevented quickly.
If planned attacks are identified before they are commenced, then the authorities can take action quickly to prevent imminent threats before they blow fully. As for the government, they can immediately assess the situation to verify whether it is a true threat before proceeding.
4. It opened the door for law enforcement to be improved.
In the past, law enforcement agencies faced huge barriers that prevented them to investigate activities that are potentially of a terrorist act. With the law, the government gained complete autonomy to investigate any party that is suspected to be involved in terrorism.
List of Disadvantages of the Patriot Act
1. It has the potential to waste vital resources.
The law allocated precious resources to tracking citizens in the US when government spending was roundly criticized, not to mention that efforts to track citizens moving overseas are also funded. This is seen as an unwise use of public funds by critics.
2. It has given the government too much authority.
A lot of Americans feel that terrorist attacks can be prevented without giving the government sweeping authority to investigate personalities whom they suspect to be engaged in terrorist acts. This argument is expected to pursue considering that there is no proof whether the law has prevented further attacks.
3. It allowed unlawful detention.
The best example of this is the Guantanamo Bay, which is a brainchild of the Patriot Act. Even to supporters of the detention center, they admit that detaining people without going through due process is not just.
Just like other laws, the Patriot Act should be evaluated, analyzed and even adjusted to make it more effective for the country as a whole. In terms of the welfare of the citizens, it should be put in place. Do you agree based on the advantages and disadvantages listed above?
Natalie Regoli is a child of God, devoted wife, and mother of two boys. She has a Master's Degree in Law from The University of Texas. Natalie has been published in several national journals and has been practicing law for 18 years.