LA federal judge rules part of Patriot Act unconstitutional

[ButterflyBlood]

LOS ANGELES - A federal judge has ruled that a portion of the USA Patriot Act which bars giving expert advice or assistance to groups designated as foreign terrorist organizations is unconstitutional and the government may not enforce it.
David Cole, an attorney and Georgetown University law professor who argued the case on behalf of the Humanitarian Law Project, said the ruling marks the first court decision to declare a part of the Patriot Act unconstitutional.

*snip*

A civil rights attorney applauded the decision.
"We're thrilled that the first judge to look at the free-speech implications of the Patriot Act has ruled properly," said ACLU attorney Ann Beeson. "She recognized that the Patriot Act was written so vaguely that it is suppressing legitimate political speech."

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/7800988.htm

good news. it's a start.

[rfranklin]

1. Judge despondent...

found suicided in seedy motel.

[latebloomer]

2. Excellent!

Though I'm sure the govt will appeal.

[Moderator]

3. Duplicate

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=331923

and

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=331910

and

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=332339

and

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=332340