Should the Use of National
Security Letters Be Banned?
INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES
Students will be able to:
■■
define National Security Letters (NSLs) and describe their use
■■
evaluate the arguments offered in support of and in opposition to the use of
NSLs
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articulate their own position on the issue
OVERVIEW
Students will analyze arguments on both sides of the issue to determine where they stand
on the use of National Security Letters.
MATERIALS NEEDED
National Security and Free Speech: The Debate Since 9/11
Notes from the readings
NSL worksheet for each student
PREPARATION
As homework: Have students actively read Part 3: Gag Orders and Government Secrecy in
National Security and Free Speech: The Debate Since 9/11, familiarizing themselves with
the topic and the various positions on the issue. Remind them to read the chapter introduction, which presents an overview of both the issue and the articles. They are to bring their
notes to class.
NATIONAL SECURITY AND FREE SPEECH | Should the Use of National Security Letters Be Banned? | 1
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PROCEDURE
1.Ask students to define National Security Letters. Write the definition on the board.
2.Explain that the class will develop arguments both for and against the use of National
Security Letters using the structure on the NSL worksheet. Divide the class into
groups of 4–5, distribute the worksheets, and review.
3.Explain that a formal argument has three parts:
Claim—an assertive statement of what the debater will prove
Warrant—the reason why the claim should be accepted
Evidence—different types of information (facts, statistics, theories, opinions, or narratives) that are used to support an argument
4.Tell the class that the worksheet contains 2 claims about the use of National Security Letters, 1 in favor of their use, 1 opposed. Working in their groups, they are to
develop 2 warrants for each claim and support each warrant with evidence. They can
use Part 3: Gag Orders and Government Secrecy in National Security and Free Speech:
The Debate Since 9/11 as well as their notes to develop each argument.
5.Once the groups have developed their arguments, ask for a member of each group
to present warrants for each claim and to support the warrants with evidence. Write
each warrant and evidence on the board.
SUMMARY
Lead a discussion of the warrants and ask students to vote on which warrants for each side
are strongest.
HOMEWORK
Have your students write a short essay presenting their position on the issue. Remind them
to use claims, warrants, and evidence to support their stand.
NATIONAL SECURITY AND FREE SPEECH | Should the Use of National Security Letters Be Banned? | 2
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National Security Letters
Instructions:
Your group is to develop arguments for and against the use of National Security Letters
using the structure of a formal argument. A formal argument has 3 components:
Claim—an assertive statement of what the debater will prove
Warrant—the reason why the claim should be accepted
Evidence—different types of information (facts, statistics, theories, opinions, or narratives)
that are used to support an argument
Your group is to provide 2 warrants for each claim and support each warrant with evidence.
You may use Part 3: Gag Orders and Government Secrecy in National Security and Free
Speech: The Debate Since 9/11 as well as your notes to develop each argument.
Claim: National Security Letters are important in fighting terrorism.
Warrant:____________________________________________________________________
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Evidence:_ ________________________________________________________________
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Warrant:____________________________________________________________________
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NATIONAL SECURITY AND FREE SPEECH | Should the Use of National Security Letters Be Banned? | 3
Copyright © 2013 by International Debate Education Association. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/
Evidence:_ ________________________________________________________________
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Claim: National Security Letters violate civil liberties.
Warrant:____________________________________________________________________
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Evidence:_ ________________________________________________________________
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Warrant:____________________________________________________________________
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Evidence:_ ________________________________________________________________
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NATIONAL SECURITY AND FREE SPEECH | Should the Use of National Security Letters Be Banned? | 4
Copyright © 2013 by International Debate Education Association. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/