COINTELPRO: The FBI's Covert Operations Against Political Dissidents

Q: When was COINTELPRO active?

COINTELPRO was active from 1956 to 1971.

Q: What types of groups were targeted by COINTELPRO?

The program targeted civil rights organizations, anti-war activists, and feminist groups.

Q: Why was COINTELPRO discontinued?

It was discontinued due to public outcry and congressional investigations following the Watergate scandal.

Definition & Meaning

COINTELPRO stands for Counter Intelligence Program, a series of initiatives launched by the FBI from 1956 to 1971. These programs aimed to monitor, infiltrate, and disrupt political organizations that the FBI considered subversive. The targets included civil rights groups, anti-war activists, and feminist organizations, particularly those that opposed the views of then-FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. The program was officially discontinued in 1971 following congressional investigations triggered by the Watergate scandal.

Table of content

Legal Use & context

COINTELPRO is primarily discussed in the context of civil rights law and government accountability. It raises important legal questions about surveillance, freedom of speech, and the rights of political organizations. Legal practitioners may encounter COINTELPRO when dealing with cases related to civil liberties, governmental overreach, or historical injustices. Users can explore US Legal Forms for templates that may assist in legal actions or inquiries related to civil rights violations.

Key legal elements

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

One example of COINTELPRO in action involved the FBI's efforts to undermine the Black Panther Party through misinformation and infiltration. The FBI spread false information to create distrust within the organization and between it and other civil rights groups. This example illustrates the lengths to which the government went to suppress dissenting voices during this period.

Comparison with related terms

Term	Definition	Difference
FBI Surveillance	Monitoring activities of individuals or groups by the FBI.	COINTELPRO specifically targeted political dissenters, whereas general FBI surveillance may not.
Counterintelligence	Activities aimed at protecting against espionage or sabotage.	COINTELPRO was focused on domestic political groups rather than foreign threats.

Common misunderstandings

What to do if this term applies to you

If you believe you have been affected by governmental surveillance or actions similar to COINTELPRO, consider the following steps:

Document any incidents or evidence of surveillance or harassment.
Consult with a legal professional who specializes in civil rights law.
Explore US Legal Forms for templates that can help you file complaints or legal actions.

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Quick facts

Duration:
Target Groups: Civil rights organizations, anti-war activists, feminist groups
Key Figure: J. Edgar Hoover, FBI Director
Outcome: Discontinued in 1971 following public outcry and investigations