A new report by the Lawyers Committee for Human Rights, titled “Assessing the New Normal,” examines changes to U.S. law and security policy since September 11, 2001 in five areas: government openness; personal privacy; immigration; security-related detention; and the effect of U.S. actions on international human rights standards.

The report concludes that while certain changes in law and policy have been sensible and constructive, many others threaten basic rights and freedoms, and taken together reflect a significant departure from rule of law principles. The report highlights how what it terms the “new normal” has meant a diminution of legal safeguards, a breakdown of the system of checks and balances (in particular, judicial oversight of executive branch decisions), and a reduction in government openness and accountability.

Each chapter contains a set of policy recommendations—including calls for increased congressional oversight, rolling back certain provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act, and close scrutiny of additional measures being proposed by the President and Attorney General John Ashcroft. [Thanks to Patriot Watch for the link]