What problem did the Patriot Act raise?

Answer 1

Some people were concerned that the Patriot Act violated civil rights because it gives the federal government the power to wiretap the communications of suspected terrorists. They felt that this could be violating these terrorists rights, because they had not yet been convicted of any crime. Those defending the Patriot Act pointed out that in other situations of criminal justice, a conviction is not required to obtain wiretaps, to search homes, etc., only probable cause in the form of a warrant. They stated that the Patriot simply extends this power to the pursuit of terrorists; if the government has probable cause to believe he/she is a terrorist, they can wiretap his phone and monitor his communications in the interest of preventing an attack.