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RALEIGH, N.C. — After an hour of debate, the Raleigh City Council approved a modified resolution Tuesday in regards to the Patriot Act.
Passed shortly after Sept. 11, 2001, the Patriot Act was packaged to fight terrorism by expanding law enforcement's ability to use wiretaps, monitor e-mail and conduct searches.
The Raleigh City Council decided if the Patriot Act ever conflicts with the Bill of Rights, then the Constitution should be the ultimate authority.
Supporters say the Patriot Act gives law enforcement tools to fight terrorism. Opponents say it hurts civil liberties. So far, 329 communities and four states across the country have endorsed a change by passing a resolution.
Seven North Carolina communities have passed resolutions supporting this change. They include Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Durham, Durham County and Orange County.
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