Attorney Quote by Jamie Gorelick
“The Department of Justice believes, and the case law supports, that the president has inherent authority to conduct warrantless physical searches for foreign intelligence purposes, and that the president may, as has been done, delegate this authority to the attorney general. It's important to understand, senators, that the rules and the methodology for criminal searches are inconsistent with the collection of foreign intelligence and would unduly frustrate the president in carrying out his foreign intelligence responsibilities.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, 2002
The president can law authorize warrantless foreign intelligence searches, a power distinct from criminal search rules, and can delegate it to the attorney general.
In simple terms: President may conduct warrantless foreign intelligence searches and delegate authority.
Recognize distinct legal standards for intelligence vs. criminal searches.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- senate hearings
- policy making
- legal analysis
- executive decisions
- intelligence gathering
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How should oversight address this authority?
- What safeguards protect privacy?
Delegation may blur accountability and raise civil liberty concerns.