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Justice for War Crime Victims: Expanding US Jurisdiction

This act broadens the ability to prosecute individuals responsible for war crimes, regardless of where they occurred, if the victim or offender has a connection to the US, or the offender is present in the US. This means the United States can hold more individuals accountable for these heinous acts, increasing the chances of justice for victims worldwide.
Key points
The US can prosecute war crimes even if committed outside its territory, if the victim or offender is a US national, permanent resident, or a member of the US Armed Forces.
It is possible to prosecute war crime offenders present in the US, regardless of their nationality or the victim's nationality.
There is no time limit for initiating proceedings in war crime cases, meaning perpetrators can be prosecuted at any time.
Prosecution can only be initiated with the written certification of the Attorney General, if it is in the public interest and necessary to secure substantial justice.
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Additional Information
Print number: 117_HR_7818
Sponsor: Rep. Cicilline, David N. [D-RI-1]
Process start date: 2022-05-18
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Justice for Victims of War Crimes Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_HR_7818.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2022-05-18.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • The US can prosecute war crimes even if committed outside its territory, if the victim or offender is a US national, permanent resident, or a member of the US Armed Forces.
  • It is possible to prosecute war crime offenders present in the US, regardless of their nationality or the victim's nationality.
  • There is no time limit for initiating proceedings in war crime cases, meaning perpetrators can be prosecuted at any time.
  • Prosecution can only be initiated with the written certification of the Attorney General, if it is in the public interest and necessary to secure substantial justice.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Cicilline, David N. [D-RI-1].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-28.

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