In the understandable rush to put in place new laws to fight terrorism, rights could be trampled. Here's how to strike a balance:
MAKE SURE TACTICS WILL IMPROVE SECURITY
Interning Japanese civilians during World War II did little to make us safer. Let's not make the same mistake. Law enforcers should offer some proof that new surveillance and legal tools will be effective.
BALANCE THE CIVIL LIBERTIES COST
Once lawmakers are satisfied that a new proposal could work, they quickly need to weigh the cost to people's liberties. Not all the rights at stake--to enter the country, be free from surveillance, and be able to defend oneself fully in a criminal trial--are equally important.
ADD A "SUNSET" PROVISION
We won't always be in a crisis situation. Let's give ourselves a chance to reconsider some of the laws enacted in this panicked moment by forcing lawmakers to reconsider the new rules after, say, three years.
DEFINE TERRORISM CAREFULLY
What exactly is a terrorist? Does a militiaman count? A protester of globalism? It is all too easy to expand the definition of a terrorist to include legitimate and peaceful fringe groups.
Data: BusinessWeek
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