Reading Room Document

Interpretation of Section 4(a)(5) of E.O. 11905

This document is a memorandum addressing the interpretation of Section 4(a)(5) of Executive Order 11905, which requires senior officials to report information related to possible violations of law to the Attorney General. The conclusion reached is that only violations of the "laws of the United States" are required to be reported, and the Department of Justice has jurisdiction over violations of the D.C. Code. The document presents questions about the interpretation of the reporting requirement, including whether it applies to civil or criminal laws, and whether violations of State law should be reported. It also raises concerns about limitations on the dissemination of information acquired and suggests the need for an amendment to allow for the reporting of incidentally acquired information relating to State crimes.

May 7, 1976