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New Attempts to Balance Civil Liberties with Terrorism Prevention

Washington Post investigative reporter Jim McGee has co-written with Brian Duffy the new book "Main Justice: The Men And Women Who Enforce The Nation's Criminal Laws And Guard Its Liberties." It's about the changing role of the U.S. Justice Department. As the fears of terrorism increase, Congress and the White House are giving the Justice Department more investigative powers and a wider jurisdiction which include sanctions in foreign countries. McGee warns in the book that along with the apparent protection this could provide Americans it could also erode individual liberties.

21:58

Other segments from the episode on July 31, 1996

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, July 31, 1996: Interview with Jim McGee; Interview with Christine Vachon; Review of Tony Braxton's album "Secrets."

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