Assassination Ban and E.O. 12333: A Brief Summary (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Jan. 4, 2002 |
| Report Number |
RS21037 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Elizabeth B. Bazan, American Law Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
In the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the New York World Trade Center
and
the Pentagon, some attention has been focused upon the assassination ban contained in Executive
Order (E.O.) 12333, Section 2.11, and whether it would prohibit the United States from responding
to the attacks by targeting those who orchestrated these acts of terrorism. In considering the
challenges involved in effectively combating terrorism and protecting the United States from future
terrorist attacks, there has been wide-ranging debate as to what approaches might be beneficial. Part
of that discussion has centered around whether assassination of terrorist leaders is, or should be, one
of the options available. This report offers a summary discussion of the assassination ban in E.O.
12333, its context, and possible interpretations of its scope.
