USA Patriot Act of 2001

Definition/Scope: The USA Patriot Act of 2001, (Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001) was enacted on 24 October 2001. The Act was to deter and punish terrorist acts in the United States and around the world, to enhance law enforcement investigatory tools, and for other purposes. This Act is also known as H.R. 3162. This act increased the roles and abilities of law enforcement agencies to search telephone, e-mails, medical and other records. It also eased restrictions placed on foreign intelligence gathering within the US. While many of the methods were already legal, the Act updated the technology to the malicious or law breaking methods, i.e. e-mail and cell phones and increased the punishment for those committing terrorist actions or crimes.

Use:

Patriot Act

Used For:

Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001

Acronym For:

Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001

Broader Terms:

authorization for use of military force
counterterrorism
September 11 terrorist attacks (2001)
terrorism

Narrower Terms:

Central Intelligence Agency
Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Homeland Security Presidential Directive - 7
Homeland Security Presidential Directive - 9
illegal aliens
immigration
intelligence production
intelligence synchronization
police
surveillance

Related Terms:

Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986
Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act
Freedom of Information Act
USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act