Word: criminalled
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Dates: during 1970-1979
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THE SHEER NUMBER OF LAWS that govern the United States has gotten out of control during this century. Most legislators and the vast majority of ordinary citizens are baffled by the stupendous maze of red tape, obscure statutes and dust-ridden amendments that comprise the federal system of laws and...
Most of the bill is a clear improvement over what now passes for a Criminal Code, but in its present form S. 1437 endangers civil liberties and greatly expands the prosecutory power of the federal government. If it is not stopped, and soon, it will be the law of the...
In another area, that of national secrets, S. 1437 is far milder than its predecessor, but it still leaves the door open for an official secrets act and unprecedented restrictions on the freedoms of speech and press. In still another area, reform of penalties and sentencing, the bill features a...
Two major provisions are particularly offensive. First, reporters could, under certain circumstances, be jailed for refusing to reveal sources. Second, current conspiracy laws, perhaps the most easily abused sections in the Criminal Code, are left untouched. S. 1437 is plagued with such potential disasters.
THE HISTORY of the bill exemplifies the political brokerage that shapes virtually all legislation. The Brown Commission finally made its report in 1971, and its recommendations were taken under consideration by a Justice Department committee chaired in turn by John Mitchell and Richard Kleindienst. That committee drafted the original Criminal...