I came upon a quotation that I remember admiring previously. Because I thought it timely given some current events in the US, I thought I’d post it here. In his dissent in the case of Olmstead v. United States (277 U.S. 479, 1928) Mr. Justice Louis D. Brandeis wrote this.
The defendant’s objections to the evidence obtained by wire-tapping must, in my opinion, be sustained. It is, of course, immaterial where the physical connection with the telephone wires leading into the defendant’s premises was made. And it is also immaterial that the intrusion was in aid of law enforcement. Experience should teach us to be most on our guard to protect liberty when the Government’s purposes are beneficent. Men born to freedom are naturally alert to repel invasion of their liberty by evil-minded rulers. The greatest dangers to liberty lurk in insidious encroachment by men of zeal, well-meaning but without understanding.
From the EFF newsletter chocked full of quotes.
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