Contra Costa County, CA Resolution

The Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County, California

RESOLUTION NO. 2003/275
In the Matter of Preserving Civil Liberties Threaten 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 take 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, and 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 are now 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.