Legal Definitions - Patriot Act

Definition: The Patriot Act is a law passed after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Its full name is The Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act. The law was created to improve national security, especially against foreign terrorism. It does this by:

• Providing more money for law enforcement and the military to improve security
• Giving law enforcement more power to listen in on phone calls, read emails, and monitor computer activity
• Making it easier for different government agencies to share information about potential terrorist threats
• Making the penalties for terrorism more severe and expanding the definition of what counts as terrorism

For example, the Patriot Act allows law enforcement to monitor phone calls and emails of people suspected of being involved in terrorism. It also allows them to share information with other agencies, like the FBI and CIA, to help prevent terrorist attacks.

The Patriot Act has been controversial because some people believe it gives the government too much power to invade people's privacy. Others argue that it is necessary to protect national security.