The Patriot Act and the Changing Discourse Surrounding Antiterrorism LegislationThis essay concerns the Patriot Act, a piece of antiterrorism legislation passed by the United States government on October 26, 2011. The law was geared specifically toward preventing terrorist attacks similar to those that occurred on September 11 of the same year, and granted new powers in terms of surveillance, indefinite detention to those suspected of terrorist crimes as well as the authorization to search financial information , telephone and electronic. records without notice or court order. The law's status as emergency legislation, along with its emphasis on securing individual rights to privacy and control over personal information, made it one of the most controversial U.S. laws passed in the 21st century. This article will discuss the law alongside these controversies. Specifically, he will use it as an example of what can be seen as a paradigm shift in UN responses to terrorism and a growing tension between anti-terrorism legislation and human rights groups. The act itself can be seen as a key point in the evolution of the international response to the September 11 attacks, from full support for preventing terrorism by any means necessary to an increasing focus on preserving of human life. The essay will also draw attention to small-scale domestic attempts to prevent the proliferation of measures perceived to risk compromising civil liberties and American values. By studying these two elements, we will argue that the Patriot Act can be understood as a key reference point in the ongoing debates around the need for a counterattack...... middle of paper ..... . attention to the evolving rhetoric and statements of international institutions such as the UN, as well as the attention paid to small-scale national bills intended to protect freedom of thought and expression within countries. UNITED STATES. Works referenced Dhanapala, Jayantha. 2005 “The United Nations response to September 11.” Terrorism and political violence. 17. 17-23. Henderson, Nathan C. 2002. “The Impact of the Patriot Act on the Government's Ability to Conduct Electronic Surveillance of Ongoing Communications.” » Duke Law Journal. 52. (1) 179-209. Weinberg Leonard et al. 2004. “The Challenges of Conceptualizing Terrorism.” Terrorism and political violence. 16 (4) 777-794.UN. Security Council Resolution 1368. 2001.UN. Security Council Resolution 1373. 2001. Sanders, Bernie. 2003 “The Patriot Act Threat to Libraries.” » American libraries. 34. (2) 32.