Discussion Question 8 and 9

  

Discussion 8
Following the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the Patriot Act was passed in the United States to provide police and government agencies greater powers in the areas of surveillance, search, and seizure. The Patriot Act amends several federal statutes and legal definitions and expands domestic intelligence-gathering authority. Many people have argued that the broadening of police power violates the fundamental civil right to privacy. Others have argued that the Patriot Act does not violate the right to privacy. Others still argue that the Patriot Act is not stringent enough based on the fact that U.S. citizens, who are under the law treated differently from foreign visitors, also have committed terrorist attacks. 
Following the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the Patriot Act was passed in the United States to provide police and government agencies greater powers in the areas of surveillance, search, and seizure. The Patriot Act amends several federal statutes and legal definitions and expands domestic intelligence-gathering authority. Many people have argued that the broadening of police power violates the fundamental civil right to privacy. Others have argued that the Patriot Act does not violate the right to privacy. Others still argue that the Patriot Act is not stringent enough based on the fact that U.S. citizens, who are under the law treated differently from foreign visitors, also have committed terrorist attacks.
 
For this Discussion, consider whether or not cyber-surveillance utilized by the government based on the Patriot Act violates individual civil rights.

Post by Day 4 of Week 8
 
An explanation of whether or not cyber-surveillance utilized by the government based on the Patriot Act violates individual civil rights. Include in your argument whether national security should or should not supersede individual civil rights.
 
Discussion 9
 
In 1990, California became the first state in the United States to enact stalking legislation. Currently, all 50 states and the federal government have statutes that attempt to address this type of crime. However, many of these statutes fail to address stalking via the Internet, and many cyber-stalking crimes go unprosecuted. In 1999, California also became the first state to enact cyber-stalking legislation. As states attempt to enact new legislation related to cyber-stalking, many issues arise due to potential conflicts with civil rights, such as freedom of speech and right to privacy.
 
For this Discussion, refer to the web resource “U.S. Laws” in the Learning Resources to research any cyber-stalking laws within your state of residence. If you do not reside in the United States, research cyber-stalking laws in your country of residence. Think about the degree to which these laws are effective for protecting victims and deterring offenders. Then consider any limitations that exist in current legislation related to cyber-stalking.
 
Post by Day 4 of Week 9
 
A description of any cyber-stalking laws in your state (or country of residence if you live outside the United States). Then explain whether or not the laws you identified are effective for protecting victims and deterring offenders. Finally, explain any limitations that exist in current legislation related to cyber-stalking.