Laura W. Murphy

In 1996, Congress passed two bills that expanded the authority of federal law enforcement officials to perform wiretaps and other forms of electronic surveillance. In the following viewpoint, Laura W. Murphy argues against the passage of these bills. She asserts that wiretaps by the FBI have unnecessarily intercepted millions of innocent conversations. She contends that the FBI is pushing for these bills because it fears that advancing technology may hinder its ability to listen in on private conversations. If these bills are passed, she maintains, the privacy of millions of innocent people will be in jeopardy. Murphy is the director of the national office of the American Civil Liberties Union, an organization that defends civil rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. How many conversations are intercepted by...