2nd Circuit judges appear wary of Patriot Act secrecy rules

[struggle4progress]

By The Associated Press
11.03.05

NEW YORK — A federal appeals panel yesterday suggested it might require the government to permit entities ranging from major corporations to libraries to challenge FBI demands for records under the Patriot Act.

Judges on a three-judge panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals commented as they questioned lawyers on both sides in two cases from Connecticut and New York in which lower court judges ruled that the government's secrecy requirements went too far.

Judges Barrington D. Parker Jr. and Richard Cardamone both indicated they were troubled by the seemingly endless secrecy requirements and that the court might spell out what legal avenues those subjected to the probes can follow. However, they reserved judgment yesterday. <snip>

http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/news.aspx?id=16014

[texpatriot2004]

1. They reserved judgement? What does that mean? nm

[TechBear_Seattle]

2. It means they will not comment except through their ruling

They heard arguments and spoke to the press, but refused (properly) to give any indication on how they would ultimately decide. This practice of not speaking until the ruling is issued is long standing policy in all American courts.