Dear Editor,
The March 17 edition of the East Tennessean contained an article by Veronica Limeberry which states that the Patriot Act allows for “sneak and peak” searches without a warrant. This is incorrect.
No clause in the Patriot Act allows for warrantless searches, a fact which should have been apparent had the author of the article actually read the Patriot Act like she encouraged readers to do.
“Sneak and peak” searches require a warrant from a judge, but notice of the warrant can be delayed in certain circumstances.
Specifically, Section 213 addresses the Authority for Delaying Notice of the Execution of a Search Warrant.
Again, there is no section in the Patriot Act that allows for searches with no warrant. But then, Ms. Limeberry points out that the “sneak and peak” searches were struck down by a federal judge.
If that is the case, why write an article on a provision that has been struck down?
– Alex Fowler

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