HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESOLUTIONS - 01012003 - 2003-275 In the Matter of RESOLUTION NO. 2003/275
Preserving Civil Liberties Threatened by the USA Patriot Act
WHEREAS,the County of Contra Costa recognizes the Constitution of the United States of America to be
the supreme law of the land and all elected officials of Contra Costa County are sworn to uphold the Constitution of
the United States of America in discharging their duties;and
WHEREAS,it is in the purview of local government to tape a stand in support of our Bill of Rights
because any weakening of those rights threaten the broad range of political expression that is vital to our democracy
at the local,state,acid federal levels;and
WHEREAS,the County of Contra Costa affirms its strong opposition to any form of terrorism against
humanity,and also affirms that any efforts to end terrorism must not be waged at the expense of civil rights and
liberties;and
WHEREAS,we believe the civil rights and liberties of our residents and the foundations of our democracy
could be threatened by the USA Patriot Act,and
WHEREAS,the County of Contra Costa proudly houses a diverse population,including citizens from
other nations,whose contributions to the community are significant and important to all;and
WHEREAS,the First Amendment of the United States Constitution states that Congress shall make no law
respecting an establishment of religion,or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;or abridging the freedom of speech,
or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble,and to petition the government for a redress of
grievances; and
WHEREAS,the Fourth Amendment states that the right of the people to be secure in their persons,houses,
papers,and effects,against unreasonable searches and seizures,shall not be violated,and no warrants shall issue,
but upon probable cause,supported by oath or affirmation,and particularly describing the place to be searched,and
the persons or things to be seized; and the Fifth Amendment states,in part,that no person"shall be compelled in
any criminal case to be a witness against himself";and
WHEREAS,the Eighth Amendment states that excessive bail shall not be required,nor excessive fines
imposed,nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted;and the Fourteenth Amendment states that no state shall
make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States;nor shall
any state deprive any person of life,liberty,or property,without due process of law;nor deny any person within its
jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
NOW,THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,that the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors affirms
its strong support for our constitutionally guaranteed rights and liberties and supports the repeal of those sections of
the USA Patriot that infringe upon civil liberties; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,that the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors will continue in its
outreach and shall educate its citizens on its policies of tolerance and respect for the diversity of its residents;and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED,that the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors directs the Clerk of
the Board to transmit this resolution to all county departments,the courts,the Governor and the Attorney General of
the State of California,to all members of the California Congressional delegation,the United States Attorney
General,and the President of the United States of America.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 3rd day of June,2003.
MARK DeSAULNIER JOHN GIOIA
Chair,District INk&ervisor Distri I Sup
k.AYLE B.U9kEMA FED RAL D. LOVER
District II Supervisor District V Supervisor
I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken
and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date
shown:
ATTESTED: June 3,2003
JOHN SWEETEN,Clerk of the Board of Supervisors amt County
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tBy .Deputy