Criminal Justice: Counterterrorism's Impact on Civilian Rights

This essay examines the effects of counterterrorism measures, particularly in the context of the United States' response to the September 11th attacks. It delves into the impact on civilians, focusing on the rise of counterterrorism organizations, increased homeland security, and the targeting of radical Islam. The essay discusses the implications of the PATRIOT Act, highlighting how it has expanded government powers and potentially infringed upon civil liberties. It analyzes the effect of counterterrorism on reporting practices, foreign funding, and operational activities, while also considering the biblical perspective on governmental actions to protect citizens. The essay concludes by emphasizing the importance of balancing national security with the protection of individual rights, drawing on references to provide a comprehensive overview of the topic.

Running head: CRIMINAL JUSTICE 1
Criminal justice
Name
Institution

EFFECTS OF COUNTERTERRORISM ON CIVILIANS
Terrorism is the act of using violence and intimidation unlawfully for political or religious
reasons, usually against civilians. Governments and non- state groups however also use this word
when referring to opposing groups. The act of terrorism usually leads to the loss of lives of a
large number of innocent people and most terrorist groups use this action to pass across a
message. The motives that terrorists give behind their actions are for international attention, to
intimidate a particular group of people, to improve their social standing, having a culture that is
tolerant to violence, zealotry and seeking financial aid for their people (Schmid, 2016).
After the attack on the twin towers on September 11th 2001, the government of America has
come up with responses in order to counter any terrorist attacks. This includes formation of
companies and organizations that work specifically on counterterrorism programs, increased
homeland security and intelligence (Hellmuth, 2018). Though there are many types of terrorists,
the main focus for the United States has been radical Islam (Wiktorowick, 2016).
Radical Islam refers to the kind of Islam that focuses on extremism and fundamentalism.
Islamic extremism opposes democracy, law and the respect of different kinds of faith and beliefs.
This kind of notion is also called jihadism of Islamism. Islamic fundamentalism is where
Muslims seek to go back to the fundamentals of their religion, and in the process seek to
eliminate non- Islamic influences.
As a result, the freedom that Muslims enjoyed became strained. Although America allows
freedom of worship, the fact that most terrorist attacks that are carried out are done by Muslims
means that those who are innocent live under suspicion, criticism and discrimination by other
people.

Another counterterrorism act that was done as a result of the 9/11 attacks was passing of the
PATRIOT Act, which was done on October 26th 2001. (PATRIOT Act) This act significantly
increased government powers as well as the penalties that a person faced for criminal activities,
while reducing the amount of evidence that the government had to provide against that person.
This meant that it would be much easier to send an innocent person to jail. Counterterrorism has
also affected reporting practices, foreign funding and some other operational activities. Such
laws are usually passed with the excuse of national security, without considering how it can
affect the citizens of that country. However, research has shown the restricting the civil rights on
the citizens of a country do little to affect terrorism acts in that country (Koo, 2018).
Looking at the fight of radical Islam from a biblical perspective, the government is allowed to
do what it can to protect the citizens of that country. As long as its actions work to benefit the
citizens, and not reprieve them of their rights for no reason. It uses the same concept where God
does not always give people what they ask for because it is not for their good. The people may
not be able to see why it is being done but the government has its own reasons.

REFERENCES
Hellmuth, D. (2018). Counterterrorism. Oxford Scholarship Online.
doi:10.1093/oso/9780198790501.003.0036
Koo, J. W., & Murdie, A. (2018). Liberty or Security: Do Civil Society Restrictions Limit
Terrorism? Retrieved from https://www.csis.org/blogs/international-consortium-closing-civic-
space/liberty-or-security-do-civil-society-restrictions
PATRIOT Act. (n.d.). The U.S. Constitution A to Z. doi:10.4135/9781483300634.n273
Schmid, A. P. (2016). Defining Terrorism. Combating Transnational Terrorism.
doi:10.11610/ctt.ch01
Wiktorowicz, Q., & Kaltenthaler, K. (2016). The Rationality of Radical Islam. Political Science
Quarterly, 131(2), 421-448. doi:10.1002/polq.12480