Sexual Abuse of Children: Federal Criminal Offenses (CRS Report for Congress)
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| Release Date |
July 13, 2012 |
| Report Number |
R42132 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Richard M. Thompson II, Legislative Attorney |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
This report focuses on a narrow subset of substantive criminal offenses that outlaw andpunish sexual abuse of children, and certain procedural aspects under these laws. First, the reportwill briefly discuss the federal government's authority (as opposed to state authority) to enactcriminal laws. Next, it will briefly discuss child abuse reporting requirements under the ChildAbuse Prevention Treatment Act. Third, it will provide a general overview of the various lawsCongress has passed to address sexual abuse of children, including the Sexual Abuse Act of1986, the Amber Hagerman Child Protection Act of 1996, and the Protection of Children fromSexual Predators Act of 1998. Fourth, it will take an in-depth look at each sexual abuse offense,including its substantive elements, potential punishments, and procedural aspects. Finally, thisreport includes an Appendix that lists federal child sexual abuse crimes, including eachprohibited act, its jurisdictional clause, its punishment, and its statute of limitations.
