Constitutionality of Anti-Terrorism Measures

[Republican_Man]

Okay, I'm working on this documentary project for school and I figured that I might as well post this question here, since it is WN and this is a major issue.

What do you think are the Constitutional implications of the Patriot Act and Terrorist Survailence program (wiretapping), in terms of the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and/or 8th amendments? That is to say, what is constitutional and what is unconstitutional regarding these two programs in particular, and any other anti-terrorist programs we have in place?

[webtaz99]

That's a HUGE area of debate. I bet the people who have actually read the entire Patriot Act and can understand it legally would fit in a modest auditorium.

One thing I feel compelled to point out is that the Constitution applies to U.S. citizens, not foreign nationals. And especially not foreigners captured after firing upon U.S. forces.

[Republican_Man]

So, I got that you expect few people to legally understand the Patriot Act and have read it in full before, and that the Constitution doesn't apply to foreign nationals, but when we're talking about the Patriot Act, that's irrelivant, really, though when we're talking about the wiretapping, that is true.
Do you not have an opinion on the legalities and constitutionality of the Patriot Act?

[webtaz99]

Having not read it, no I do not.

I will say this, however. The Constitution is a living document, and subject to change. I doubt that the founding fathers could even imagine the modern terrorists' ideology and tactics.