Number: RS21306
Title: Terrorism and Extraterritorial Jurisdiction in Criminal Cases: Recent Developments in Brief
Authors: Charles Doyle, American Law Division 
Abstract: Most crime is territorial. It is proscribed, investigated, tried, and punished under the law of the place where it occurs. As a general rule, no nation's laws apply within the territory of another. Yet in a surprising number of instances, federal criminal law does apply overseas whether the accused is an American or a foreign national. As long as there is some nexus to the United States, federal law authorizes prosecution - practical, diplomatic, and procedural impediments notwithstanding. The USA PATRIOT Act, P.L. 107-56, 115 Stat. 272 (2001), and the legislation implementing the international conventions on terrorist bombings and on financing terrorism, P.L. 107-197, 116 Stat. 721 (2002), have extended the substantive authority for federal prosecution of crimes occurring elsewhere.
Pages: 6
Date: Updated September 6, 2002