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Mbedha Kiboigo Ebbtide Reporter Washington State Supreme Court Justice Richard Sanders, who has a long history as an advocate of civil liberties, questions the validity of some of the methods the government is using to enforce justice. Last Tuesday, the Worldly Philosophers and Dismal Scientists Society hosted the justice's presentation, "Civil Liberties in Times of Terror." One of the main issues he discussed was the status of the U.S. Constitution. The rights listed within the U.S. Constitution have been held to a lower standard. Legislative decisions have been made so that there is less of a necessity to declare probable cause or provide a warrant. However, Sanders stresses the importance of having the Legislative and Executive branches work separately from the Judiciary Branch. "Justice is to be found in the courts and not in the Legislative or Executive branches of the government," says justice Sanders, "although not every court case brings justice, nor does every war." Sanders believes that civil liberties are being challenged. Several bills have been passed to ensure that these branches of government hold more power than granted through the provisions of the Constitution. These anti-terrorism legislative decisions include the United States Patriotism Act, passed in October 2002, that allows the government, in part, to search and seize with less judicial override, if any. Additionally, Justice Sanders said the Homeland Security Act, passed last November, allows for exemptions of information from public disclosure. Facing the inevitable challenges against preserving our freedom, Justice Sanders said, "The ultimate safeguard [against terrorism] is to stand up for our principles and not for the majority." © 2003 Shoreline Community College™ |