Discussion
Responding to Terrorism
The United States passed the U.S. Patriot Act in response to the terror attacks of September 11, 2001. Other nations also made policy changes in order to respond to the increased threat of terrorism. Critics and supporters of these policies, particularly the U.S. Patriot Act, continue to debate their appropriateness and value.

The impact of the U.S. Patriot Act can, in fact, be seen in a variety of changes in criminal justice policy. Given the controversy surrounding the Act and resulting policy, criminal justice professionals can benefit from critically evaluating the Act and being prepared to discuss their position with colleagues and the public.

In addition to evaluating holistically the benefits of the Patriot Act, criminal justice professionals can also evaluate its impact on individual policy. They can also compare the Act to changes made by other nations to address the evolving threat of terrorism to increase their awareness of alternative responses to terrorism

For this Discussion, review the “Highlights of the USA Patriot Act” website and research changes to terrorism policies of other countries. Then consider the benefits and criticisms of the U.S. Patriot Act and its impact on U.S. policy. Finally, compare changes made by the Act to changes in international terrorism policy.  

Post an explanation of the benefits of and criticisms associated with the U.S. Patriot Act. Next, provide an example of a criminal justice policy created in response to the U.S. Patriot Act, and explain whether you agree with this policy. Justify your position. Finally, explain how international responses to terrorism have changed in comparison to how the United States has changed its criminal justice policy in response to terrorism.

Required Resources
Readings
Davis, L. M, Riley, K. J., Ridgeway, G., Pace, J., Cotton, S. K., Steinberg, P. S., Damphousse, K., & Smith, B. L. (2004). When terrorism hits home: How prepared are state and local law enforcement. Retrieved from http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monographs/2004/RAND_MG104.sum.pdf

This Rand report examines the preparedness of state law enforcement's ability to respond to terror attacks post 9/11.
Federal Bureau of Investigation. (n.d.). Definitions of terrorism in the U.S. code. Retrieved from http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/investigate/terrorism/terrorism-definition

This website provides brief definitions of both international and domestic terrorism.
Jenkins, B. M. (2006). The new age of terrorism. In D. G. Camien (Ed.), The McGraw Hill homeland security handbook (pp.117–130). Hoboken, NJ: McGraw Hill. Retrieved from http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/reprints/2006/RAND_RP1215.pdf

This chapter describes the evolution of terrorism.
U.S. Department of Justice. (n.d.). Highlights of the USA Patriot Act. Retrieved from http://www.justice.gov/archive/ll/highlights.htm

This website highlights the purpose of the Patriot Act. It also provides an overview of key changes facilitated by the Act.
Document: Policy Project Overview (PDF)

This document provides an overview of the Policy Project along with detailed requirements for each phase.
Media
Cable News Network. (2013, November 6). CNN exclusive: Holder fears “lone wolf” terrorist attack, doesn’t want TSA armed [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/05/politics/holder-terror-snowden-interview/

This interview with Attorney General Eric Holder addresses the threat of lone-wolf terrorism.
Optional Resources
Kirk, M. (Writer/Director). (2008). Bush’s war [Television series episode]. In D. Fanning (Executive producer), Frontline. Boston, MA: WBGH Educational Foundation. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/bushswar/