Justice for Murder Victims Act: Removing Time Limit Between Injury and Death
This law eliminates the federal time limit that previously prevented the prosecution of homicide cases if the victim died after a certain period following the injury. Federal prosecutors can now pursue homicide charges regardless of the time elapsed between the act and the victim's death, increasing accountability for past crimes. However, if the death occurs more than one year and one day after the act, the death penalty cannot be imposed, and the maximum sentence is life imprisonment.
Key points
Abolition of the 'year and a day' rule: Federal homicide prosecutions are no longer limited by the time elapsed between the act and the victim's death.
Increased accountability: This change allows for the prosecution of perpetrators even if the victim dies many years after the initial attack.
Death penalty restriction: The death penalty cannot be imposed if more than one year and one day elapsed between the act and the victim's death; the maximum penalty in such cases is life imprisonment.
The law applies to acts or omissions occurring after the date of its enactment.
Expired
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