9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Considers Use of National Security Letters

Today, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals considered whether it would strike down a provision allowing the FBI’s use of national security letters.  A lower court judge ruled the letters unconstitutional because of the gag orders that bar recipients from telling anyone about the requests.  The Court allowed the FBI to continue sending the letters, pending an appeal.  The FBI issues thousands of national security letters annually while investigating terrorism and espionage cases. Unlike warrants, the demands for information are made without judicial oversight. Click here to read more.

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