A federal judge in Detroit ruled Thursday that the government's warrantless domestic wiretapping program is unconstitutional and must be halted.
U.S. District Judge Anna Diggs Taylor held that the wiretapping program violates the 1st and 4th Amendments to the Constitution, which respectively protect free speech and prohibit unlawful searches. She also held that the program, formally known as the Terrorist Surveillance Program and run by the National Security Agency, violates the federal Administrative Procedures Act and the separation-of-powers doctrine.
It is the first time a federal judge has ruled that the controversial surveillance program violates constitutional rights. Similar challenges to the program are pending in New York, Oregon and Texas.
The Bush administration announced that it would appeal and asked that the decision be stayed. Taylor is expected to hold a hearing on that request Sept. 7. The plaintiffs have agreed to a temporary stay until then.
Congress is considering legislation on the wiretapping issue. Democrats hailed the ruling and Republicans criticized it.
Taylor, an appointee of President Carter, specifically rejected the contention that the president had inherent authority to create such a wiretapping program. "There are no hereditary kings in America and no powers not created by the Constitution," she said in her 44-page decision.
Taylor said that if the program were allowed to continue, it would irreparably harm the rights of the plaintiffs, which included the American Civil Liberties Union, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Greenpeace, and individuals, including scholars and attorneys. "The public interest is clear in this matter. It is the upholding of our Constitution," Taylor wrote.
U.S. Atty. Gen. Alberto R. Gonzales responded Thursday, "We respectfully disagree with the decision of the judge." He said he was confident that the wiretapping program was legal and added, "We will continue to utilize the program to ensure that America is safer." The challenge to the ruling will be heard by the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, which is based in Cincinnati and covers Michigan, Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee.
Taylor did award the Bush administration one victory Thursday: She dismissed the plaintiffs' challenge to the legality of federal mining for data in telephone and electronic communications. She agreed with the government that litigating that claim would violate its state-secrets privilege.
