NCJ Number
100380
Date Published
1984
Length
18 pages
Annotation
Using the law to combat terrorism involves an assessment of the existing legal framework, particularly regarding 'terrorism' definitions and extradition, and legal justifications for using force to counter terrorism.
Abstract
Gaps in law for controlling terrorism pertain to transnational terrorism, since laws applied to the incidents vary among countries, and countries where terrorists find haven often will not extradite them to the countries where the crimes occurred. It is important to formulate and support enforcement measures against terrorism that have general international favor. Policies of self-help and self-defense against terrorism must also be developed in association with the specification of criteria that indicate when terrorism constitutes low-intensity warfare against a nation. International standards should identify legitimate and illegitimate uses of violence and coercion in the interests of self-determination. A possibility for U.S. practice is the establishment of a special Federal district court for matters related to international terrorism, including extradition. 24 notes.