H.R.98 - End Endless Criminal Statutes Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 98, the "End Endless Criminal Statutes Act," aims to repeal several federal provisions that criminalize minor or outdated actions. The bill specifically targets offenses such as writing checks for less than $1, certain regulations on oleomargarine, discarding produce without sufficient cause, and other similar infractions. The goal is to reduce the scope of federal criminal law by eliminating unnecessary or obsolete offenses.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill is a reduction in the number of federal crimes, potentially freeing up law enforcement and judicial resources. It could also prevent individuals from being prosecuted for trivial offenses. The bill also clarifies the intent requirement for offenses related to letter carrier uniforms.
Potential Benefits
- Reduces the potential for over-criminalization of minor offenses.
- Frees up law enforcement resources to focus on more serious crimes.
- Simplifies the federal criminal code by removing obsolete provisions.
- Prevents individuals from facing federal charges for trivial matters.
- Aligns federal law with contemporary societal norms.
Potential Disadvantages
- May be perceived as weakening the deterrent effect of certain laws, however minor.
- Could potentially lead to confusion if similar actions are still regulated under state or local laws.
- There is a remote possibility that repealing certain provisions could inadvertently remove protections, though this is unlikely given the nature of the repealed laws.
- Some may argue that these laws, however outdated, still serve a purpose in maintaining order.
- The impact on actual crime rates is likely negligible.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the principles of limited government and due process, as it seeks to reduce the scope of federal criminal law and prevent the prosecution of individuals for trivial offenses. The Constitution does not explicitly address the specific offenses being repealed, but the bill's intent is consistent with the overall framework of enumerated powers and individual liberties. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to define and punish offenses, but this power is not unlimited and should be exercised judiciously.
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).