An overview of the PATRIOT Act

The PATRIOT Act officially the United and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act was quickly developed and passed after the terroristic attack on September 11, 2001. The PATRIOT Act gives state, federal, and international intelligence agencies the power to conduct surveillance without first going into court and obtaining a warrant.

THE INDIAN GAMING REGULATORY ACT

After several federal courts ruled that state bingo laws were regulatory laws that could not be enforced against Native American tribes, Congress began looking at legislation that would satisfy the interests of law enforcement agencies and that would help to alleviate the economic problems of the Native American tribes by raising revenue through bingo and gaming. As a result, Congress enacted the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) of 1988.

FALSE STATEMENT TO OBTAIN PROPERTY OR CREDIT

A person commits the offense of a false statement to obtain property or credit when he or she intentionally or knowingly makes a materially false or misleading statement to obtain property or credit on behalf of himself or herself or on behalf of another person. The false or misleading statement must be in writing.

Juvenile Proceedings

Juvenile proceedings are different from regular criminal proceedings because they are tailored toward juveniles, children under the age of 18. Every state has a different type of system set up to handle their juvenile matters. Some states have an actual juvenile court, other states place juvenile matters under the guise of the family or probate court. However, most courts that have jurisdiction to hear juvenile matters may transfer the case to a trial court when the offense charged is severe. The process of transferring a juvenile case is often referred to as waiving jurisdiction.

APPEALS OF FEDERAL CRIMNAL PROSECUTIONS

After several federal courts ruled that state bingo laws were regulatory laws that could not be enforced against Native American tribes, Congress began looking at legislation that would satisfy the interests of law enforcement agencies and that would help to alleviate the economic problems of the Native American tribes by raising revenue through bingo and gaming. As a result, Congress enacted the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) of 1988.