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Broadening US Jurisdiction for War Crimes Prosecutions

This new law expands the ability of the United States to prosecute individuals for war crimes, regardless of where the offense occurred, if the victim or offender has a connection to the US, or if the offender is present in the US. This means that those responsible for such acts can be held accountable in the US, even if the crime took place outside the country, enhancing the protection of US citizens and military personnel.
Key points
The US can prosecute war crimes even if they occurred outside its borders, if the victim or offender is a US national, a permanent resident, or a member of the US Armed Forces.
Individuals accused of war crimes can be prosecuted in the US if they are present within the United States, regardless of their nationality or the victim's nationality.
There is no time limit for initiating proceedings for certain war crimes, meaning perpetrators can be prosecuted even after many years.
The decision to prosecute war crimes requires written certification from high-ranking Department of Justice officials, ensuring such actions are in the public interest.
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Additional Information
Print number: 117_S_4240
Sponsor: Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA]
Process start date: 2022-05-18
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
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_S_4240.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

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 they occurred outside its borders, if the victim or offender is a US national, a permanent resident, or a member of the US Armed Forces.
  • Individuals accused of war crimes can be prosecuted in the US if they are present within the United States, regardless of their nationality or the victim's nationality.
  • There is no time limit for initiating proceedings for certain war crimes, meaning perpetrators can be prosecuted even after many years.
  • The decision to prosecute war crimes requires written certification from high-ranking Department of Justice officials, ensuring such actions are in the public interest.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Became Law.

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 Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Became Public Law No: 117-351.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-29.

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