warrantless surveillance

Warrantless surveillance refers to government monitoring of people's electronic communications or activities without obtaining a court order beforehand. This practice is often justified by national security needs or preventing crime but raises concerns about privacy rights. Typically, law enforcement agencies need a warrant based on probable cause to conduct surveillance, but in certain urgent or specific situations, they may do so without one. The balance between security and privacy rights is central to debates around warrantless surveillance, which varies depending on legal standards and oversight in different jurisdictions.