German Government Defends Eavesdropping

So how long till this takes effect in the US????

KARLSRUHE, Germany (Reuters) - In a case before the highest court, the German government defended a controversial law Tuesday that allows police to eavesdrop on conversations in private homes.
Justice Minister Brigitte Zypries and federal prosecutor Kay Nehm said the law, passed by parliament five years ago after an emotional debate, had helped the fight against organized crime and terrorism. They rejected criticism it was unconstitutional.

"It is an effective instrument in the fight against major criminal activities," Zypries told the constitutional court in the southwestern city of Karlsruhe.

The liberal Free Democrats (FDP), a small opposition party in Berlin, has challenged the law, saying it is unconstitutional and largely ineffective. A ruling is expected in the autumn.

Many Germans, mindful of the legacy of the Gestapo state police during the Nazi era and the Stasi security police in communist East Germany, were opposed to any eavesdropping on people in their own homes.

www.reuters.com...