Congressional Research Service Reports - 27 Matching Results

Search Results

Results: 1 - 24 next
open access

"Nosal" Parts 1 & 2: Password Sharing May Be a Federal Crime & Circuit Split on Restitution for Attorney's Fees

Description: This report discusses the case of "Nosal v. United States" and charges against Nosal for fraud, stealing trade secrets, and access without authorization charges under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA). The charges under the CFAA are discussed in-depth along with implications for consensual password sharing being covered under the act. Restitution of attorneys fees in the case by Nosal are also discussed.
Date: December 9, 2016
Creator: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

Terrorist Material Support: An Overview of 18 U.S.C. §2339A and §2339B

Description: This report discusses the two federal material support statutes that have been at the heart of the Justice Department's terrorist prosecution efforts. One provision outlaws providing material support for the commission of certain designated offenses that might be committed by terrorists (18 U.S.C. 2339A); the other outlaws providing material support to certain designated terrorist organizations (18 U.S.C. 2339B). They share a common definition of the term "material support," some aspects of whi… more
Date: December 8, 2016
Creator: Doyle, Charles
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

Former U.S. Hostages of Iran to be Eligible for Compensation

Description: This legal sidebar briefly discusses the U.S. victims of the 1979-1981 Iran Hostage Crisis, who will become eligible to receive up to $4.4 million each in compensation, thanks to the Justice for United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Act.
Date: December 29, 2015
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

Tying Up Loose Ends... Supreme Court To Evaluate Federal Firearm Provision Again

Description: This legal sidebar discusses certiorari to hear Voisine v. United States, a decision examining the federal provision that makes it unlawful for an individual to possess a firearm or ammunition if he or she has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence (MCDV).
Date: December 3, 2015
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

Overview of Selected Federal Criminal Civil Rights Statutes

Description: Federal criminal civil rights laws impose criminal penalties for deprivation of certain federal rights, privileges, or immunities. These laws prohibit hate crimes based on race, color, religion, or national origin; the burning of places of worship; violence against health care providers; and the transport of persons (particularly women and children) for the purpose of enslavement or forced labor. Some of these laws require a discriminatory motivation while others, such as human trafficking, do … more
Date: December 16, 2014
Creator: Smith, Alison M.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

In Re Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001: Claims Against Saudi Defendants Under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA)

Description: This report summarizes the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA) and jurisdiction in cases against foreign defendants and analyzes the court of appeals decision. It also discusses legislative efforts to address these issues(S. 1535 and H.R. 3143).
Date: December 27, 2013
Creator: Elsea, Jennifer K.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

Cybersecurity: Authoritative Reports and Resources, by Topic

Description: Cybersecurity vulnerabilities challenge governments, businesses, and individuals worldwide. Attacks have been initiated by individuals, as well as countries. Targets have included government networks, military defenses, companies, or political organizations, depending upon whether the attacker was seeking military intelligence, conducting diplomatic or industrial espionage, or intimidating political activists. This report provides links to selected authoritative resources related to cybersecuri… more
Date: December 4, 2013
Creator: Tehan, Rita
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

Trafficking in Persons: U.S. Policy and Issues for Congress

Description: This report focuses on international and domestic human trafficking and U.S. policy responses, with particular emphasis on the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA) and its subsequent reauthorizations.
Date: December 7, 2012
Creator: Siskin, Alison & Wyler, Liana Sun
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

DNA Testing in Criminal Justice: Background, Current Law, Grants, and Issues

Description: This report provides an overview of how DNA is used to investigate crimes and help protect the innocent. It also reviews current statutory law on collecting DNA samples, sharing DNA profiles generated from those samples, and providing access to post-conviction DNA testing. The report also includes a summary of grant programs authorized by Congress to assist state and local governments with reducing DNA backlogs, provide post-conviction DNA testing, and promote new technology in the field.
Date: December 6, 2012
Creator: James, Nathan
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

Egypt: Background and U.S. Relations

Description: This report provides a brief overview of the key issues for Congress related to Egypt and information on U.S. foreign aid to Egypt. The United States has provided significant military and economic assistance to Egypt since the late 1970s. U.S. policy makers have routinely justified aid to Egypt as an investment in regional stability, built primarily on long-running military cooperation and on sustaining the March 1979 Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty.
Date: December 6, 2012
Creator: Sharp, Jeremy M.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

Detention of U.S. Persons as Enemy Belligerents

Description: This report provides a background to the legal issues presented, followed by a brief introduction to the law of war pertinent to the detention of different categories of individuals. An overview of U.S. practice during wartime to detain persons deemed dangerous to the national security is presented. The report concludes by discussing Congress's role in prescribing rules for wartime detention as well as legislative proposals in the 112th Congress to address the detention of U.S. persons.
Date: December 4, 2012
Creator: Elsea, Jennifer K.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

The National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC)—Responsibilities and Potential Congressional Concerns

Description: This report looks at inadequacies present in the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) which prevent the Center from adequately performing its duty. These inadequacies include issues with agency organization, lack of resources, and a focus on threats from Yemen over domestic threats.
Date: December 19, 2011
Creator: Best, Richard A., Jr.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

Habeas Corpus Legislation in the 111th Congress

Description: This report is a brief overview of the recommendations from the Constitution Subcommittee of the House Committee on the Judiciary and legislative proposals on habeas review.
Date: December 30, 2010
Creator: Doyle, Charles
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

Cybercrime: An Overview of the Federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Statute and Related Federal Criminal Laws

Description: The federal computer fraud and abuse statute, 18 U.S.C. 1030, outlaws conduct that victimizes computer systems. It is a cyber security law. It protects federal computers, bank computers, and computers connected to the Internet. It shields them from trespassing, threats, damage, espionage, and from being corruptly used as instruments of fraud. It is not a comprehensive provision, but instead it fills cracks and gaps in the protection afforded by other federal criminal laws. This is a brief sketc… more
Date: December 27, 2010
Creator: Doyle, Charles
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

Organized Crime: An Evolving Challenge for U.S. Law Enforcement

Description: This report provides an analysis of how organized crime has capitalized on globalization by using borders as opportunities, relying on fast-paced technological change, and adapting its organizational structures. It illustrates how these transformations can impact U.S. persons, businesses, and interests. The report includes a discussion of how U.S. law enforcement conceptualizes organized crime in the 21st century and concludes by examining potential issues for Congress, including the extent to … more
Date: December 23, 2010
Creator: Bjelopera, Jerome P. & Finklea, Kristin M.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

Trafficking in Persons: U.S. Policy and Issues for Congress

Description: This report focuses on human trafficking both internationally and within the United States. The report begins with an overview of human trafficking including a discussion of the definition of human trafficking, the scope of the problem globally, and an examination of the victims. It follows with an analysis of global anti-trafficking efforts by the United States and the international community. The report then focuses on trafficking into and within the United States, examining relief for traffi… more
Date: December 23, 2010
Creator: Siskin, Alison & Wyler, Liana Sun
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

Organized Crime in the United States: Trends and Issues for Congress

Description: This report provides a background on organized crime in the United States as well as the tools that Congress has afforded for the federal government to combat it. It outlines the trends in federal efforts to investigate and prosecute organized crime. The report then discusses the evolving nature of organized crime, including the domestic impact of organized crime, prominent organized crime groups, and their illegal activities affecting the United States. It concludes with a discussion of issues… more
Date: December 22, 2010
Creator: Finklea, Kristin M.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

Gun Control Legislation

Description: This report provides basic firearms-related statistics, an overview of federal firearms law, and a summary of legislative action in the 111th Congress.
Date: December 21, 2010
Creator: Krouse, William J.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

Ricin: Technical Background and Potential Role in Terrorism

Description: This report describes what ricin is, how it is made, its effects, examples of its use, its potential for use as a bioterror weapon, and how its possession is currently regulated.
Date: December 21, 2010
Creator: Shea, Dana A. & Gottron, Frank
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

Reauthorizing the Office of National Drug Control Policy: Issues for Consideration

Description: This report provides a discussion of the National Drug Control Strategy, the National Drug Control Budget, and the Office of National Drug Control Policy's (ONDCP's) evaluation of the National Drug Control Strategy implementation. It then provides an analysis of selected legislative and oversight issues that Congress may consider when debating the reauthorization of ONDCP. Policymakers may question the status of the war on drugs, whether drug use should be seen as more of a law enforcement issu… more
Date: December 10, 2010
Creator: Finklea, Kristin M.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

Guantanamo Detention Center: Legislative Activity in the 111th Congress

Description: This report analyzes relevant provisions in enacted legislation and selected pending bills relating to the U.S. Naval Station in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, a facility in which alleged enemy belligerents are detained.
Date: December 9, 2010
Creator: Garcia, Michael John
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
Back to Top of Screen