A group of federal judges who sit on a secret foreign intelligence court have been briefed on the Bush administration's controversial domestic spying program.

Unidentified officials say the judges were briefed Monday in Washington during a closed-door session at the U.S. Justice Department.

The judges have voiced concerns about the administration's decision to conduct electronic surveillance without getting permission from the court.

The Bush administration says it was given the authority to do so under a resolution passed by Congress following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, calling on President Bush to use all necessary force against terrorist groups.

But a report by congressional researchers rejects the administration's argument.

And 13 legal scholars sent a letter to congressional leaders on Monday also raising doubts about the legality of the spying program.