Bill Overview
Title: Justice for Victims of War Crimes Act
Description: This bill broadens the scope of individuals who are subject to federal prosecution for war crime offenses. Currently, the federal war crimes statute provides federal jurisdiction over war crime offenses committed anywhere (i.e., inside or outside the United States) if the victim or offender is a member of the Armed Forces or a U.S. national. First, this bill extends federal jurisdiction over war crime offenses committed anywhere to offenses where (1) the victim or offender is an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence; or (2) the offender is present in the United States, regardless of the nationality of the victim or the offender. Second, the bill expands federal jurisdiction over war crime offenses to include offenses that occur in whole or in part within the United States, regardless of whether the victim or offender is a member of the Armed Forces, a U.S. national, or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
Sponsors: Rep. Cicilline, David N. [D-RI-1]
Target Audience
Population: People affected by war crimes globally
Estimated Size: 1500000
- The bill affects individuals who may be prosecuted for war crimes under the expanded federal jurisdiction.
- Victims of war crimes could see an impact as more offenders are brought to justice.
- The bill has implications for individuals residing inside and outside the U.S., depending on the war crime cases undertaken.
- The presence of offenders in the U.S., regardless of nationality, extends the population who could face prosecution under U.S. laws.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily impacts individuals who are directly linked to war crimes, such as victims seeking justice or individuals at risk of prosecution under the expanded jurisdiction.
- U.S. citizens and residents might experience psychological impacts knowing that individuals who committed war crimes can be prosecuted even if they are not U.S. nationals.
- The expanded jurisdiction raises awareness and potentially increases perceptions of justice within communities affected by such crimes.
- Various demographics within the U.S., including immigrants and military personnel, may have different levels of concern or relief based on the policy's implications.
- Given the target population size and budget limitations, only a fraction of potential cases may be pursued, necessitating careful selection based on cases with the most significant impact or evidence.
Simulated Interviews
International Human Rights Lawyer (Washington D.C.)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a significant step for international justice.
- The broader jurisdiction can help deter potential offenders knowing they can face prosecution in the U.S.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
College Student (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's reassuring that war criminals can be held accountable.
- Concerns about potential impacts on relatives abroad should U.S. jurisdiction expand further.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Veteran Affairs Attorney (Chicago, IL)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am concerned about how this could affect veterans accidently implicated.
- It's crucial that proper legal support and clear guidelines are provided.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 4 |
Immigration Lawyer (New York, NY)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A potential avenue for justice for my clients could improve their wellbeing.
- Ensuring the process doesn't lead to further victimization is vital.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Retired Military Officer (San Antonio, TX)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Worried about how veterans might be treated under this statute.
- Feel it could discourage service at a time of international need.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 4 |
Activist (Seattle, WA)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This law could encourage truth-telling and reconciliation processes.
- Important to ensure that prosecution doesn't solely focus on lower-level offenders or use a biased approach.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Journalist (Miami, FL)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Expanded jurisdiction might lead to better accountability reporting.
- Hope that recent history can be publicized and learned from through these legal mechanisms.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Psychologist (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Legal justice mechanisms can be a double-edged sword for trauma survivors.
- Ensuring ongoing psychological support is crucial when pursuing justice in these cases.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Tech Entrepreneur (Austin, TX)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Curious about how technology might assist in tracking and prosecuting cases.
- Believe transparency will be key to the policy's success and acceptance.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired Judge (Boston, MA)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The legal system should be an exemplar of upholding justice universally.
- The broader jurisdiction could reinforce international norms and discipline.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Year 2: $52000000 (Low: $42000000, High: $62000000)
Year 3: $54000000 (Low: $44000000, High: $64000000)
Year 5: $58000000 (Low: $48000000, High: $68000000)
Year 10: $66000000 (Low: $56000000, High: $76000000)
Year 100: $100000000 (Low: $85000000, High: $115000000)
Key Considerations
- The legislative system will need to accommodate potentially numerous and complicated war crime cases.
- International laws and treaties may affect how the expanded jurisdiction is implemented and coordinated across borders.
- There may be diplomatic implications when prosecuting foreign nationals or addressing crimes involving international participants.
- The impact on victims seeking justice may enhance the perception of U.S. legal credibility and commitment to human rights.