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> Talk about a chilling effect, i.e., do not read the news because law enforcement can subpoena the list of what you read. Lawyers recommend never sharing anything with law enforcement because it can be used against you. So the news articles you read can now be used against you? The FBI seems to think so. This is exactly the reason there are laws prohibiting law enforcement from ask libraries for lists of what patrons read.

I don't understand. What's the reason there are laws prohibiting law enforcement from ask libraries for lists of what patrons read ?




"In a legal context, a chilling effect is the inhibition or discouragement of the legitimate exercise of natural and legal rights by the threat of legal sanction."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chilling_effect

If the cops are scrutinizing what you read, you might be discouraged from reading what you want to read.


Oh, that I get. I thought the reason was explained in the comment (“This is exactly the reason why”). It was implied, not explicitly stated. Thanks.


That’s a common pattern and turn of phrase that i never noticed until now.

You say “this is the reason ..” or “this is an example of why ...” but you are inviting the listener to see the reason.

It’s persuasive because the reader/listener actually fills it in themselves rather than you saying it.


These issues go way back to the dawn of books...

If I legitimatly read books about communism, it doent make me a communist!

But yet I could be persecuted for following a genuine intellectual path!


True... But it makes you suspicious...


The fact someone got out a bunch of chemistry textbooks doesn't mean they should be investigated for bomb making...?


and the parent post is the evidence #1 for why, Your Honor, law enforcement shouldn't be allowed to ask libraries for lists of what patrons read.




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