Reading Room Document

Prosecution in the United States of assassinations abroad

This document discusses the prosecution of assassinations or conspiracies to carry out assassinations of foreign officials abroad under Federal law. It concludes that there are no general provisions on extraterritorial jurisdiction, and the existing laws only cover assassinations or assaults of foreign officials or official guests within the United States. The document also raises questions about the gaps in the law and the need for new legislation to address conspiracies to bring about the death of a public servant of a foreign power with which the United States is not at war. Additionally, it explores the issue of government participation and its impact on potential prosecutions under these statutes.

January 16, 1976