Overview
The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) of 1978 established the legal framework for electronic surveillance and other forms of intelligence gathering within the United States, primarily targeting foreign intelligence and counterintelligence purposes. It created the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) to review and authorize such surveillance requests, balancing national security needs with civil liberties. FISA has been amended numerous times, most notably after 9/11, expanding its scope and sparking ongoing debates about privacy, oversight, and the balance of power between the executive branch and Congress. Understanding FISA is crucial for grasping the complexities of US intelligence operations and the legal boundaries governing them.