• Compare and contrast the federal legal definitions of the terms threats (terrorists) and hazards with the legal definitions of the same terms from your state of residence.
• Highlight and discuss similarities and differences with posts from classmates.

Instructions:

Model Answer

The student identifies the legal (based upon U.S. Code [USC]) definitions of all terms using the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, the Homeland Security Act of 2002, the Stafford Act of 1984 as amended, appropriate Homeland Security Presidential Policy Directives (HSPDs) and other authoritative source references to include the DHS and/or FEMA. The student conducts a research effort of his or her state of residence, identifies appropriate state legislative acts, and provides state approved and legislated definitions of these terms. Responsive posts highlight identified similarities and differences within students’ posts.

ANswer preview

There are some similarities and differences in the federal and state of California scope of the description of hazards and threats. Following the change like various attacks, the legislation efforts have created the disparity. 18 U.S. Code § 2331 define the threats of terrorism as an act of violence that is intended to coerce, intimidate, and influence policy development either within or outside the territorial jurisdiction of the United States. The USA PATRIOT Act (Pub. L. No. 107-52) (2001) expanded this definition to include domestic terrorism that occurs only within the jurisdiction of the United States and hence the government can mandate to investigate the activities of the prominent activist’s campaign and organization…

 

(500 words)