Ashcroft recently subpoenaed abortion records from several medical facilities. Was not his ability to subpoena medical records a specific provision of the USA Patriot Act, the supposed “anti-terrorism” law?
Maybe-they could have been or they could have been subpoeaned the old-fashioned way. If it were done under the Patriot Act, then he could have chosen to keep the fact confidential.
Thanks for the input. I ask this because I’m pretty certain that his ability to obtain medical records was a provision of the act. If that’s the case in this context, well, that would be a little sticky, I should think. Peace, K.S.L.
FWIW, if it were sinister and/or political, I think he would have kept it quiet.
Anyway, I suggest you read the article about him form the latest Atlantic Monthly. Gives a little insight and context to him.
Cool. Thanks. I’ll check it out. I understand he’s not terribly well, these days. Hmm.
From what I understand the Patriot Act has nothing to do with it. A number of clinics have sued the US Government to prevent enforcement of the “Partial-Birth Abortion Act”. The Attn’y General is the official defendant in these cases. Any defendant in a civil suit has the right to subpoena records, witnesses, etc. to mount its defense. This is the authority under which the subpoenas were issued, and is long-standing. It certainly predates the Patriot Act.
IANAL, Include standard disclaimers, etc.
Thanks for the input. That sounds pretty pat. Peace, K.S.L.