of the most severe intimidation and blackmail; An intensified effort to bring terrorists to justice by prosecution and conviction before courts of law; A determination never to allow terrorist intimidation to block or derail international diplomatic efforts to resolve major political conflicts in strife-torn regions, such as the Middle East. In many such areas terrorism has become a major threat to peace and stability, and its suppression therefore is in the common interests of international society.” (“NO.53”) While in the process of stopping terrorism, how will people be affected? “Congress passed, and President Clinton signed into law, the 1996 Anti-Terrorism Act, which grants federal authorities $1 billion to combat terrorism. However, critics argue that the new law unduly expands the federal government’s power and violates citizens’ constitutional rights.For example, one provision amends the Habeas Corpus Act, a law which became effective in 1867. Habeas corpus petitions involve a review by the courts as to whether prison inmates are unjustly confined. They are often used by inmates on death row. Some lawmakers believe that inmates’ opportunity to appeal the death sentence repeatedly and forestall execution for an extended period of time lessens the threat of punishment. The Anti-Terrorism Act by contrast gives death row inmates only six months to file a petition.The American Civil Liberties Union believes this provision is a violation of constitutional rights and that prisoners wrongly convicted will not have enough time to overturn the verdicts against them. Supporters of the law say that this provision will eliminate long, costly appeals, which at times run into many years; they argue that speedy executions will be a deterrent to terrorists. The Supreme Court will ultimately rule on the constitutionality of the provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act.An earlier provision ...
