The PATRIOT Act covers a plethora of areas. Some of the areas included in the Act include:

• Domestic security against terrorism.
  
• Enhancement of surveillance procedures.
  
• International money laundering.
  
• Financing of terrorists.
  
• Border protection.
  
• Immigration issues.
  
• Investigation of terrorism.
  
• Aid to families effected by terrorism.
  
• Increase of information sharing between agencies.
  
• Strengthening of criminal laws pertaining to terrorism.

Under the PATRIOT Act governmental agencies are permitted to intercept wire, oral or electronic communications relating to terrorism.

Adverse Response to the PATRIOT ACT

Many people believe that the PATRIOT Act gives law enforcement agencies sweeping power to do as they please with respect to surveillance and interception of certain communications. Opponents of the Act believe that the Act is improper because it covers much more than terrorism and eliminates government accountability. Opponents contend that there is no longer a system of checks and balances because the Act essentially eliminates any need for court intervention.

Favorable Response to the PATRIOT ACT

Proponents of the Act believe that it is a good act and finally filled many gaps in the laws and agencies' methods of investigation, especially with respect to the issue of terrorism. Proponents contend that the Act improves the counter-terrorism efforts in the United States. Proponents also assert that the Act:

• Permits law enforcement officers to use tools that were already available to them.
  
• Permits federal agents to follow terrorists.
  
• Permits law enforcement officers to conduct investigations.
  
• Facilitates information sharing and cooperation.
  
• Updates the law to reflect new technological changes.
  
• Increases penalties for the commission of terrorist acts.

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