CREW Files FOIA Request Seeking OLC Opinions on Executive Branch Authority to Conduct Surveillance
Aug 21, 2013 - http://www.citizensforethics.org/legal-filings/entry/foia-request-department-of-justice-olc-memos-executive-branch-surveillance
CREW Files FOIA Request Seeking OLC Opinions on Executive Branch Authority to Conduct Surveillance
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) sent a Freedom of Information Act request to the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) seeking copies of all opinions OLC has written on the authority of the president and the executive branch to conduct domestic and foreign surveillance.
While CREW and others have sought OLC opinions in the past regarding specific surveillance programs, to CREW’s knowledge this is the first comprehensive request for information that would explain the lawfulness of all surveillance programs, including those that collect in bulk metadata and other information pertaining to individuals.
CREW made this request in light of the emerging information about the different surveillance programs the government is operating and the significant questions that have been raised about their legality.