The issue focused on the "uniformity of our laws and our judicial process" that is "the basis of our constitutional order," the panel said. "The question is whether there is a sufficient basis for the use of force to prevent an imminent threat of serious physical harm or death."

The ruling was also seen as an endorsement of an effort that began last year, when members of Congress introduced a bill aimed at making it easier for the federal government to track online activity of Americans. The bill was backed