FISC
Law & Legal abbreviation · Court
| Stands for | Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court |
|---|---|
| Categories | Law & Legal |
FISC stands for Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, a court abbreviation.
Special federal court that reviews government applications for electronic surveillance, physical searches and other investigative orders for foreign intelligence purposes. Its 11 judges are sitting district judges designated by the Chief Justice for terms of up to seven years, and its proceedings are usually secret and one-sided.
Example: The FBI applied to the FISC for an order authorizing surveillance of the suspected agent.
Usage notes
Pronounced "fisk". Created by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978. The government can appeal denials to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court of Review (FISCR), a three-judge panel. Since 2015 the court can appoint amici curiae to argue novel legal issues, partly answering criticism that only the government is heard.
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- J. – Judge or Justice
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This entry is for general education and is not legal advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.