TV News LIES

Saturday, Jul 05th

Last update03:37:42 AM GMT

You are here News Domestic (USA) Former judge admits flaws in secret court

Former judge admits flaws in secret court

E-mail Print PDF

James RobertsonA former federal judge who served on a secret court overseeing the National Security Agency's secret surveillance programs denied Tuesday that the judges act as "rubber stamps." But James Robertson said the system is flawed because of its failure to allow legal adversaries to question the government's actions.

"Anyone who has been a judge will tell you a judge needs to hear both sides of a case," Robertson, a former federal district judge based in Washington who served on the secret Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, said during a hearing of the federal oversight board directed by President Barack Obama to scrutinize government spying.

Robertson questioned whether the secret FISA court should play the role of providing legal approval for the surveillance programs, saying the court "has turned into something like an administrative agency."

Much of the NSA's surveillance is overseen by the FISA court, which meets in secret and renders rulings that are classified. Many of these rulings also likely been disclosed by Edward Snowden, the NSA systems analyst who leaked significant information about the spying program. After Snowden began exposing the NSA's operations in June, Obama instructed the board to lead a "national conversation" about the secret programs. The board has been given several secret briefings by national security officials and it plans a comprehensive inquiry and a public report on the matter.

More...


Most Recent Related Stories...


Michael Madsen, frequent Tarantino star of 'Reservoir Dogs' and 'Kill Bill,' dies at 67

Michael MadsenMichael Madsen, a prolific actor whose career was punctuated by a longstanding collaboration with Quentin Tarantino, has...

Ice raids leave crops unharvested at California farms: ‘We need the labor’

Crops left unharvested in forniaLisa Tate is a sixth-generation farmer in Ventura county, California, an area that produces billions of...

Dramatic Footage Shows Explosion At Fireworks Facility In Northern California

explosionSeven people are missing after a fireworks warehouse near Esparto, Calif., caught fire Tuesday evening, which...

University Of Virginia President Resigns Under Pressure From Trump DOJ

James Ryan resignsUniversity of Virginia President James Ryan resigned Friday, complying with demands from the Trump administration he...
 
America's # 1 Enemy
Tee Shirt
& Help Support TvNewsLIES.org!
TVNL Tee Shirt
 
TVNL TOTE BAG
Conserve our Planet
& Help Support TvNewsLIES.org!
 
Get your 9/11 & Media
Deception Dollars
& Help Support TvNewsLIES.org!
 
The Loaded Deck
The First & the Best!
The Media & Bush Admin Exposed!