Reducing terrorism is not an easy feat. Methods to identify and manage potential terrorism tend to fall along a continuum from the general to the specific. General measures are those in which many people are affected, such as screening of large numbers of people and their belongings to detect plans or material related to terrorism. This typically takes place at airports, train stations, and immigration/customs services. Similarly, the U.S. government has accessed all cell phone records. More specific methods to identify and manage potential terrorism have included monitoring “chatter” that consists of communication among possible terrorists. Forms of profiling have also been conducted to examine personal and ecological aspects of potential terrorist suspects or terrorist-prone regions. In very specific cases, relevant terrorist-related data are gathered based on interviews with known or suspected terrorists. Some of the methods to reduce terrorism might infringe upon citizens’ civil rights to freedom and privacy. In the United States, the following constitutional amendments are some of the specific civil rights afforded citizens that may conflict wi
th methods to reduce terrorism: Citizens around the world in developed countries tend to be guaranteed many similar rights by their own country’s constitution. Many governments have patterned their own constitutions after the U.S. Constitution, which was developed in the 1700s based on practices in Great Britain and France at that time (National Archives, n.d.). Arguably, places without constitutional guarantee of rights likely have “human rights,” which require that people be treated with decency and respect. Terrorism has been recognized as a significant global problem that needs to be reduced. In doing so, does the government or other legal officials have the right to potentially infringe upon citizen’s civil liberties and rights? In this Discussion, you will review scholarly evidence and argue one side of the argument below based on the evidence: If you are an international student, you may base your Discussion on your local or regional Constitution and relevant legislation, policies, or case law. To prepare: Justify and explain your position concerning how the costs to personal freedom and privacy are worth the benefits of reducing terrorism,