Reply #5: 5pm: It's a lot better question!

[originalpckelly]

"5 p.m.: Should the government have the right to ask for Americans' bank and credit card statements?"


My answer:
Yes, but only if the government gets a warrant.

Judges may not be able to spy on the government to ensure that information is lawfully obtained, but they have the power to review evidence and issue warrants.

If there is not a warrant for a corresponding piece of evidence, they may refuse to admit the evidence.

When evidence collected without a warrant cannot be used to prosecute an individual, it eliminates the benefits of collecting evidence without a warrant.

Warrants make certain that evidence has not been fabricated to prosecute a person whom has not committed a crime, something which everyone must be interested in. Warrants make sure our nation is one where people do not live at the whim of a dictator. Our whole lifestyle is one based on the predictability of the rule of law.

People may be too busy focusing on iPods, TV, and the lifestyles of celebrities, but none of that will be possible in a state where people may be grabbed off the street for no good reason.