In message <20010912210118.25333.cpmta@c011.snv.cp.net>, Sean Donelan writes:

There is no "emergency" where law enforcement can't get a judge or other proper authority in time. FBI agents are fairly well trained, and most have a high degree of respect for the law. I've talked to several members of the technical branch, and they've all told me they are willing wait while the lawyers decide what they can and can't do.

Proper authority, yes; a judge, not necessarily. See Section (7) of http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/18/2518.html --Steve Bellovin, http://www.research.att.com/~smb http://www.wilyhacker.com