Reply #5: Government defends domestic spying in court

[Judi Lynn]

Government defends domestic spying in court
Plaintiffs, judge hampered by access to classified information

Updated: 31 minutes ago

DETROIT - The federal government defended its warrantless domestic surveillance program in court for the first time Monday, saying it is well within the president’s authority, but that proving that would require revealing state secrets.

U.S. District Judge Anna Diggs Taylor was hearing arguments in a case brought by the American Civil Liberties Union against the National Security Agency.

The ACLU wants the program halted immediately, arguing that it violates the rights to free speech and privacy, and says the government has already publicly revealed enough information about the program for Taylor to find it illegal.

The Bush administration wants Taylor to dismiss the lawsuit.

“This case does not involve easy questions,” government attorney Anthony J. Coppolino said. “It’s a case that requires a robust factual record.”
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http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13280547/