WASHINGTON — A ruling by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court of Review, which operates almost entirely in secret, made it clear that the Justice Department can use foreign intelligence wiretaps not only to gather on spies or terrorists, but also to build evidence for criminal cases. The three-judge panel unanimously removed limits yesterday that a lower court imposed earlier this year on the Justice Department’s investigative powers.
The special review court said the expanded wiretap guidelines sought by Attorney General John Ashcroft under the new USA Patriot Act law do not violate the Constitution.
Attorney General John D. Ashcroft said the new ruling ‘revolutionizes our ability to investigate terrorists and prosecute terrorist acts’ and ‘affirmed President Bush’s and Congress’s call for greater cooperation and coordination in the war on terror.’ But Ashcroft said, ‘We have no desire whatever to, in any way, erode or undermine the constitutional liberties here.’.
(via Boston Globe)
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