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The FBI use NSLs fairly freely and nobody really seems to object. The first amendment doesn't really seem to help us here. I think the only reason this wasn't
by wfo 11y ago
The FBI use NSLs fairly freely and nobody really seems to object. The first amendment doesn't really seem to help us here.
I think the only reason this wasn't done under a gag order is the FBI wants to use public response to win this case since it's about a terrorist attack (IIRC, they tried the exact same request about a Meth dealer and it was refused) so they can set a precedent. You can't set a precedent for open court and rally the public behind you if it's all secret.
- mmmBacon 11y agoMost gag orders can be challenged and have to serve a benefit of some kind and be of limited duration (like to guarantee a fair trail). A NSL gag order can be challenged. In December 2008, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that some of the NSL gag provisions were unconstitutional, in part because they limited judicial review of the gag orders and forced courts to defer to the government’s assertions about the necessity of a gag order and also thwarted the ability of recipients to challenge a gag order. [source:] http://www.wired.com/2010/08/nsl-gag-order-lifted/ http://www.wired.com/2010/08/nsl-gag-order-lifted/ And more gag provisions were overturned in 2013. https://www.crowelldatalaw.com/2013/04/gagging-the-fbi-the-unconstitutionality-of-national-security-letters/ https://www.crowelldatalaw.com/2013/04/gagging-the-fbi-the-u... I think the overturning of these provisions of the NSL gag order she the power of the 1st Amendment a show the US judiciary tend to be skeptical whenever the government attempts to limit free speech.