Intelligence Gathering: A New Obstacle for Constitutional Law

Intelligence gathering has always been a vital part of the United States’ success in its battles against foreign states and non-state actors. From spy networks during the Revolutionary War to tapping cell phones and using satellite imagery, advances in intelligence often lead to debates about the constitutionality and legality of these practices. Using several historical instances, laws, and committees, there is an argument to be made about the limitation on intelligence gathering and congressional oversight. This paper addresses these concerns, along with the general relationship between legislative intelligence gathering, the intelligence community, and Constitutional Law.