Skip to main content

Supreme Court says no to NSA surveillance case

supreme court says nsa surveillance case
Image used with permission by copyright holder

It looks like the Supreme Court will not take a look at the case pertaining to the legality of the National Security Agency’s surveillance program. At least, until it has gone through the appeals process in its entirety.

Back in December, U.S. District Court Judge Richard Leon sided with attorney and activist Larry Klayman, saying that the surveillance program, which involved collecting phone record metadata from citizens without their knowledge, violates the Constitution’s ban on unreasonable searches. More specifically, Leon ruled that the “bulk collection and querying of phone record metadata” likely violated the Fourth Amendment, though it “certainly does violate a reasonable expectation of privacy.”

Recommended Videos

The case’s plaintiffs, led by Klayman, then requested the Supreme Court to hear the case and make a final ruling rather than the case go through the U.S. Court of Appeals, where the gov’t can appeal the decision. Judge Leon did not believe that skipping the appeals court was warranted, and the Supreme Court decided as such.

According to the decision, Klayman and the other plaintiffs must go through the appeals court before requesting the Supreme Court to hear the case. Only then will the Supreme Court decide whether to hear it. The district court put an injunction against the NSA on hold pending a government appeal. Klayman said that the case is too important for the appeals court to wait on the district court for a decision.

The Obama administration and members of Congress plan to push legislation that would partially cripple the NSA’s bulk phone metadata collection program. The first bill is the End Bulk Collection Act of 2014.

Williams Pelegrin
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Williams is an avid New York Yankees fan, speaks Spanish, resides in Colorado, and has an affinity for Frosted Flakes. Send…
These ESR Gear mobile accessory deals are Apple-tastic — Save over 50% off
ESR Gear mobile accessory deals -- MagSafe 3-in-1 charger with devices

Shiny new phone? Preparing to get one soon? Congratulations, that's always a great feeling, isn't it? The dopamine hit of the mobile upgrade. But now it's time to start thinking about some smarter more efficient ways to use that device, even if it's not new. That's where mobile accessories come into the equation. From stands to car mounts and portable power packs, they extend the functionality and usability of your favorite and beloved smartphone. Chief among the phone gear options is ESR Gear with its excellent selection of MagSafe accessories. Need an example? Look no further than the ESR 3-in-1 MagSafe Charger with Qi2 wireless charging and CryoBoost cooling technology. It can charge the iPhone 16 and Apple Watch, fast.

But here's the thing: You came here under the guise that there were some great deals to be had, and I don't blame you, so let's get right into those. You can expect to save upwards of 30% off some of ESR Gear's best MagSafe options. They're already discounted, plus there are exclusive coupon codes to get an extra 10% off. All coupon codes are valid until December 25th.

Read more
Score the Apple Watch 10 for only $350 at Walmart today
A person wearing the titanium Apple Watch Series 10.

Titanium Apple Watch Series 10, Milanese Loop band, Reflections watch face Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Tracking health and fitness can be a real chore, especially when you don’t have any tech to assist you. Fortunately, we’re always on the lookout for smartwatch deals, and we came across this fantastic offer on the Apple Watch 10: For a limited time, when you purchase the Apple Watch 10 (Jet Black with a 42mm band), you’ll pay $350. Usually, this model sells new for $400.

Read more
Like the other ESR Gear deals? Here are some more: Case, screen protector, more
ESR Gear deals -- Aura wallet stand (HaloLock)

As far as mobile phone accessories go, ESR Gear has some incredible deals live for the holidays with great prices on a multi-functional stand, car charger and mount, and MagSafe power bank. But if you're not interested in any of those, don't worry, you won't be left out in the cold. There are more ESR Gear deals to be had, and we're just as excited about these. Like the other deals, some of these mobile accessories are already discounted but you can save an extra 10% on top with an exclusive coupon code. Just be warned, all coupon codes expire December 25th, so don't waste too much time window shopping if you're interested.

 
ESR Armorite screen protector -- $14 $17 20% off
Compatible with iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 models, this hardened screen protector offers the ultimate protection for your device's most valuable asset. It's easy to install, bubble and dust-free and comes with everything you need to attach the protector, including a working tray. It's made of 9H+ glass with 110 pounds of SGS-certified protection and resistance. Each pack comes with three protectors and there is a privacy glass option -- though it's not on sale currently.

Read more