Government surveillance programs are problematic not only to the public at large, but also for lawyers trying to maintain attorney-client confidentiality and other professional practice concerns, according to Human Rights Watch and the American Civil Liberties Union. The groups released a joint report this week outlining how government surveillance is undermining the right to counsel.
The 120-page report is based on interviews with dozens of lawyers, along with journalists and government officials. “Lawyers also rely on the free exchange of information with their clients to build trust and develop legal strategy,” according to the groups, and this is hampered when the public is concerned about surveillance and spying. Defense attorneys are especially impacted. Indeed, we reported just last week the government’s intention to read email communications between prisoners and their counsel.
