# Ex Parte Proceeding An ex parte proceeding occurs without the participation of an opposing party. Many FISA applications are presented by the government in classified proceedings where the surveillance target is not present. ## Notebook evidence [[Scanned_20260730-1830]], PDF pages 17–18, asks who is represented, who receives an order, and how a secret court tests the government's case. The notebook correctly identifies absence as a structural property, not proof that no review occurs. ## Counterweights and limits Judicial scrutiny, written opinions, compliance reporting, appellate review, congressional oversight, inspectors general, later disclosure, and [[Amicus Curiae|amicus]] participation can test parts of the record. They do not reproduce ordinary adversarial litigation, and many affected people may never receive notice. ## Source - [[Scanned_20260730-1830]], PDF pages 17–18.