ACLU v NSA in the battle over warrantless wiretaps

The US Government's warrantless wiretap program is going under the judicial microscope today in Detroit:

Battle over wiretaps to begin today:

The opening salvo of what is sure to be a closely watched and potentially landmark case over whether the U.S. government has the right to eavesdrop on thousands -- and potentially millions -- of telephone and e-mail communications will be fired in federal court in Detroit today.

The American Civil Liberties Union, which filed the lawsuit in January, will ask U.S. District Judge Anna Diggs Taylor to abolish the Bush administration's program of intercepting international phone calls in its fight against terrorism, saying it violates Americans' free speech and privacy rights.

The Justice Department, which represents the National Security Agency, is expected to argue that the program is legal and a key weapon in the administration's war on terror.

Although neither side expects Taylor to rule today, courtroom observers said she might reveal hints on how she will decide the case....

It is probably also safe to assume that this one will be appealed, regardless of the outcome. Stay tuned!