Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court
The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) is a specialized court in the United States that oversees requests for surveillance warrants against foreign spies and agents. Established by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) in 1978, the court operates in secrecy to protect national security interests while balancing civil liberties.
FISC reviews applications from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other agencies to ensure they meet legal standards. The court's decisions can significantly impact intelligence operations and privacy rights, as it determines whether the government can conduct surveillance on individuals suspected of being involved in foreign intelligence activities.