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NYCLU | Issues

Throughout U.S. history, “national security” has often been used as a pretext for massive violations of individual rights. In the past decade, the fight against terrorism has served as the pretext for serious attacks on civil liberties in New York State and nationwide. In response, the NYCLU has mounted challenges – both in New York and, in partnership with the ACLU, nationally – to abuses of power including the USA Patriot Act, domestic wiretapping, invasive and unconstitutional border stops, and other abuses.

Please explore this page to learn more about the NYCLU’s work to keep New Yorkers both safe and free.

News Items and Releases  (see all)


August 27, 2008 - NYCLU, ACLU Ask Appeals Court to Affirm Decision Striking Down Patriot Act ‘National Security Letter’ Provision

August 14, 2008 - Federal Judge Orders Release of RNC Intelligence Documents

August 12, 2008 - NYCLU: NYPD Plan to Track Millions of Law-Abiding People is an Assault on Privacy Rights

Court Cases  (see all)


Doe v. Mukasey (Challenge to Patriot Act’s National Security Letter Provision and Associated Gag Provision)

ACLU et al. v. Department of Defense (Seeking Access to Government Documents under FOIA)

American Academy of Religion et al. v. Chertoff et al. (Challenge to Ideological Exclusion under the Patriot Act)

Publications  (see all)


Report: Arresting Protest (2003)

Palm Card: What to Do If You're Stopped by the Police (English and Spanish) (2004)

Palm Card: Demonstrating in New York City (2004)

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