Bill Overview
Title: Justice for Victims of War Crimes Act
Description: This act 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 act 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 act 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. The act allows an indictment for certain war crime offenses to be instituted any time, making the statute of limitations inapplicable. To undertake a prosecution for war crime offenses, the act requires written certification that prosecution is in the public interest and is necessary to secure substantial justice. The certification is not subject to judicial review.
Sponsors: Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA]
Target Audience
Population: People affected by expanded war crime jurisdiction
Estimated Size: 50000000
- The bill extends jurisdiction to include aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence involved in war crime offenses.
- The bill allows for the prosecution of war crimes committed by or against any individual present in the United States, expanding beyond military personnel or U.S. nationals.
- The removal of the statute of limitations on war crime indictments increases the number of individuals potentially subject to prosecution over time.
Reasoning
- The policy majorly impacts individuals with potentially problematic backgrounds related to war crimes, such as immigrants or visitors in the U.S., including lawful permanent residents.
- The policy also impacts individuals indirectly through public opinion and general societal views on accountability and justice for war crimes.
- Given the expanded jurisdiction, cases could rise, as offenders presently in the U.S. could be prosecuted.
- The removal of the statute of limitations could revive older cases, affecting individuals with past war crime allegations, creating long-term legal and societal impacts.
- Our sample includes both impacted and non-impacted individuals to provide a comprehensive overview of the policy's reach.
- The cost and reach of the policy are assessed within budget constraints, ensuring feasible implementation and expected outcomes.
Simulated Interviews
Software Engineer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe in accountability, but I worry about potential misuse of the policy.
- My past involvement in local Syrian politics might attract unnecessary attention.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 9 |
Human Rights Activist (Houston, TX)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy strengthens justice and sets a precedent globally.
- I'm concerned about resource allocation if too many cases are taken on at the same time.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Immigration Attorney (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Clients may face legal challenges not previously encountered, impacting their wellbeing.
- The expansion is crucial for comprehensive justice, but it must be executed cautiously to avoid harm.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 9 |
Graduate Student (New York City, NY)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy offers important avenues for justice for victims.
- As someone studying policy, I see this as beneficial yet complex to implement effectively.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Retired Military Officer (Chicago, IL)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could deter potential wrongdoers and improve adherence to international law.
- I am concerned about the retroactive application affecting veterans unjustly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Journalist (Miami, FL)
Age: 36 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Enhances the U.S.'s role in global justice, which is important for my reporting.
- Access to and focus on extended trials could strain media resources.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Retired Judge (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy fills gaps in the legal framework for prosecuting war crimes.
- There must be ample funding and expert staffing to support its application.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Graphic Designer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support the bill as an essential guard against impunity.
- I'm worried about its potential effects on international relations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Legal Consultant (Detroit, MI)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a necessary step but may be overambitious with limited resources.
- NGOs might need to enhance collaboration with government bodies for better outcomes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 9 |
Research Scientist (Seattle, WA)
Age: 48 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This legislation could enhance justice and reconciliation efforts.
- I worry about its impact on research funding if budgets are reallocated.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $30000000)
Year 2: $21000000 (Low: $16000000, High: $31000000)
Year 3: $22050000 (Low: $16800000, High: $32550000)
Year 5: $24010000 (Low: $18240000, High: $35405000)
Year 10: $29240000 (Low: $22200000, High: $43092000)
Year 100: $126882400 (Low: $96480000, High: $186833200)
Key Considerations
- The bill's primary goals are justice and deterrence, not economic impact, hence the indirect financial implications.
- Budget adjustments may be necessary for the DOJ to handle additional workload effectively.
- Policy implementation and effectiveness depend on international cooperation and the legal frameworks of other nations.