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The National Surveillance State: A Response to Balkin

Orin S. Kerr
George Washington University - Law School



Minnesota Law Review, Forthcoming
GWU Legal Studies Research Paper No. 462
GWU Law School Public Law Research Paper No. 462

Abstract:     
In his recent Lockhart lecture, published in this journal as "The Constitution in the National Surveillance State," Jack Balkin warns of a "new form of governance" that he calls "The National Surveillance State." This brief response article argues that the changes Balkin details should be understood as a technology problem instead of a governance problem. We are witnessing a broad societal shift away from human observation and towards computerization. The widespread use of computers and the introduction of digital information have caused dramatic changes in how individuals can learn what others are doing. The government's goals have not changed, but the technological playing field has. The law must respond because technology has changed, not because a new form of governance has emerged. Understanding the changes as a technology problem rather than a governance problem also suggests solutions that draw support from a wide political base rather than a narrow one.

Keywords: surveillance, Fourth Amendment

JEL Classifications: K1

Accepted Paper Series

Date posted: February 13, 2009 ; Last revised: March 20, 2009

Suggested Citation

Kerr, Orin S., The National Surveillance State: A Response to Balkin. Minnesota Law Review, Forthcoming; GWU Legal Studies Research Paper No. 462; GWU Law School Public Law Research Paper No. 462. Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1341389


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Orin S. Kerr (Contact Author)
George Washington University - Law School ( email )
2000 H Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20052
United States
202-994-4775 (Phone)
202-994-9817 (Fax)
HOME PAGE: http://www.law.gwu.edu/faculty/profile.asp?ID=3568
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