EO12333

While following the various stories about the NSA and their assorted spy programs, I've read that part of their authority comes from Executive Order 12333. Being ever curious, I went looking for this EO and found it on the CIA's website. Click here to visit their page (if you dare... [Insert evil laugh here]). After reading through a bit of it, I thought I would post EO12333's Table of Contents here for those who may be interested in learning more about where some of their more favorite intelligence agencies derive their authority.

Executive Order 12333--United States intelligence activities

Source: The provisions of Executive Order 12333 of Dec. 4, 1981, appear at 46 FR 59941, 3 CFR, 1981 Comp., p. 200, unless otherwise noted.

Table of Contents

Preamble

Part 1. Goals, Direction, Duties, and Responsibilities With Respect to the National Intelligence Effort

1.1 Goals

1.2 The National Security Council

1.3 National Foreign Intelligence Advisory Groups

1.4 The Intelligence Community

1.5 Director of Central Intelligence

1.6 Duties and Responsibilities of the Heads of Executive Branch Departments and Agencies

1.7 Senior Officials of the Intelligence Community

1.8 The Central Intelligence Agency

1.9 The Department of State

1.10 The Department of the Treasury

1.11 The Department of Defense

1.12 Intelligence Components Utilized by the Secretary of Defense

1.13 The Department of Energy

1.14 The Federal Bureau of Investigation

Part 2. Conduct of Intelligence Activities

2.1 Need

2.2 Purpose

2.3 Collection of Information

2.4 Collection Techniques

2.5 Attorney General Approval

2.6 Assistance to Law Enforcement Authorities

2.7 Contracting

2.8 Consistency With Other Laws

2.9 Undisclosed Participation in Organizations Within the United States

2.10 Human Experimentation

2.11 Prohibition on Assassination

2.12 Indirect Participation

Part 3. General Provisions

3.1 Congressional Oversight

3.2 Implementation

3.3 Procedures

3.4 Definitions

3.5 Purpose and Effect

3.6 Revocation

My favorite section has to be 2.1--Need. I'll reprint below for you to read:

2.1 Need. Accurate and timely information about the capabilities, intentions and activities of foreign powers, organizations, or persons and their agents is essential to informed decisionmaking in the areas of national defense and foreign relations. Collection of such information is a priority objective and will be pursued in a vigorous, innovative and responsible manner that is consistent with the Constitution and applicable law and respectful of the principles upon which the United States was founded.

Umm... Does this sound like paying lip service to you, too?