Keeping Our Nation Safe: Sacrificing Civil Liberties in the Counter-Terrorism Effort

Throughout American history, there has been tension between the fundamental liberties granted by the United States Constitution and the need for government to protect its citizens. Many scholars have written about this conflict and have compared the pressures that exist today—post September 11—with those that existed previously. Much of this earlier work looks at counter-terrorism legislation and the response of courts worldwide to the infringement of civil liberties. Others have reviewed the literature and legal discourse in an effort to determine whether civil liberties have been infringed upon to a dangerous extent. What is missing is research gauging public opinion about whether a loss of rights is being experienced and if so, whether it is justified in the federal government’s effort to ensure the safety of its citizens. Accordingly, this paper asks: What is the opinion of American political science students regarding the possible loss of free speech rights as a consequence of...Show moreThroughout American history, there has been tension between the fundamental liberties granted by the United States Constitution and the need for government to protect its citizens. Many scholars have written about this conflict and have compared the pressures that exist today—post September 11—with those that existed previously. Much of this earlier work looks at counter-terrorism legislation and the response of courts worldwide to the infringement of civil liberties. Others have reviewed the literature and legal discourse in an effort to determine whether civil liberties have been infringed upon to a dangerous extent. What is missing is research gauging public opinion about whether a loss of rights is being experienced and if so, whether it is justified in the federal government’s effort to ensure the safety of its citizens. Accordingly, this paper asks: What is the opinion of American political science students regarding the possible loss of free speech rights as a consequence of fighting the “war on terror”? Although only a starting point for measuring public opinion on a broader scale, this study has tangible implications for increasing awareness among policymakers.Show less

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Keeping Our Nation Safe: Sacrificing Civil Liberties in the Counter-Terrorism Effort