Section 802 | Chasing The Sleeper Cell | FRONTLINE

Section 802: Defining Domestic Terrorism

The Patriot Act has been heralded as a modern piece of legislation tailored to harshly prosecute terrorist activity. Critics argue that the bill is far too encompassing, and that organizations like Greenpeace or Amnesty International, who promote discussion and activism in response to controversial issues, will be muted for fear of prosecution. Section 802 defines Domestic Terrorism.

SEC. 802. DEFINITION OF DOMESTIC TERRORISM.
   (a) DOMESTIC TERRORISM DEFINED.-Section 2331 of title 18, United States Code, is amended-
      (1) in paragraph (1)(B)(iii), by striking "by assassination or kidnapping" and inserting "by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping";
      (2) in paragraph (3), by striking "and";
      (3) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and inserting "; and"; and
      (4) by adding at the end the following:
      "(5) the term 'domestic terrorism' means activities that-
         "(A) involve acts dangerous to human life that are a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or of any State;
         "(B) appear to be intended-
            "(i) to intimidate or coerce a civilian population;
            "(ii) to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or
            "(iii) to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping; and
         "(C) occur primarily within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States.".
   (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.-Section 3077(1) of title 18, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
      "(1) 'act of terrorism' means an act of domestic or international terrorism as defined in section 2331;".

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