Apple Calls Government Use of All Writs Act 'All-Powerful Magic Wand'

The All Writs Act that DOJ and the FBI are using to try to force Apple to comply with a court order to help the government gain access to an iPhone used by a San Bernardino, California, mass shooter "does not authorize such relief, and the Constitution forbids it," Apple said in a 33-page motion filed Tuesday (see 1603040023) in U.S. District Court in Riverside, California. Apple was responding to a government's motion filed Thursday that the act is being used correctly (see 1603110010). "The government attempts to rewrite history by portraying the Act as an all-powerful magic wand rather than the limited procedural tool it is," Apple said. "The case hinges on a contentious policy issue about how society should weigh what law enforcement officials want against the widespread repercussions and serious risks their demands would create." Apple is asking the court to reject the government's argument and vacate the order.