4 ms·
Yes, that is a very important loophole to bring up here. On one hand, parallel construction can be used in order to not compromise sensitive sources and method
by GVIrish 8y ago
Yes, that is a very important loophole to bring up here.
On one hand, parallel construction can be used in order to not compromise sensitive sources and methods. If you found out about a spy ring because you compromised a spy's phone, you might not want that revealed, so a different path to the evidence is constructed to conceal that method.
But it of course can be used in a nefarious manner to launder evidence gained on someone illegally. So maybe in the course of a nat'l security investigation the feds stumble conversations of a drug trafficker, then use parallel construction to create a paper trail that would make it seem like the knowledge about the drug trafficker was obtained through normal channels.
That is absolutely an area that requires more rigorous controls and oversight, although I don't know how often FISA warrants have been exploited in that matter. Could be mostly federal law enforcement eavesdropping with stingrays.
- michaelmrose 8y agoParallel construction doesn't have nefarious uses it is inherently nefarious. It is an end run around the law they are supposed to be upholding. In actual practice you shouldn't perform broad illegal surveillance of your populace and if you do you shouldn't be able to use it in court without revealing your sources. This fundamentally violates the rights of the accused.
- TheCoelacanth 8y agoParallel construction is a euphemism for perjury committed by law enforcement.
- michaelmrose 8y agoThis should be prosecuted as such instead of concealed.