Since its inception, politicians and civilians have debated the USA Patriot Act.  Proponents of the legislations say it gives the government the tools it needs to find and prevents terrorists.  Those opposed say it takes away the rights of the individual, and gives too much power to those who

This web page is constructed to look at some of the issues surrounding the act.  It gives an overview of surveillance history and looks at the act itself.  It discusses the views of those for and against the act, and looks at various case studies.  Finally it attempts to draw conclusions about the effect of the act.