Count the Crimes to Cut Act
Summary
The "Count the Crimes to Cut Act" directs the Attorney General and heads of various federal agencies to submit reports to Congress detailing all federal criminal offenses, both statutory and regulatory. These reports must include lists of offenses, their elements, potential penalties, prosecution numbers over the past 15 years, and mens rea requirements. The Act also mandates the creation of publicly accessible indexes of these offenses on the Department of Justice and individual agency websites.
Expected Effects
This act aims to increase transparency and understanding of the scope of federal criminal law. By compiling and publishing comprehensive lists of federal offenses, Congress and the public can better assess the potential for overcriminalization and identify areas for reform. This could lead to future legislation aimed at streamlining or reducing the number of federal crimes.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency regarding federal criminal offenses.
- Improved public access to information about potential criminal penalties.
- Facilitation of informed discussions about criminal justice reform.
- Potential for identification of outdated or unnecessary criminal regulations.
- Enhanced congressional oversight of federal law enforcement.
Potential Disadvantages
- The reporting requirements could place a significant burden on the Department of Justice and other federal agencies.
- The Act does not directly address the issue of overcriminalization, only studies it.
- The reports may not capture the full complexity of federal criminal law.
- The Act does not provide funding for the creation of the indexes, potentially hindering their effectiveness.
- Potential for misuse of the data to unfairly target specific groups or individuals.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the principle of transparency and accountability in government, which is implicit in the Constitution's structure. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to define and punish offenses. This act serves to inform Congress about the exercise of that power by the executive branch. There are no apparent constitutional conflicts.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).