Prosecuting Domestic Terrorists: Some Recommendations

Abstract

Assesses the efficacy of law enforcement efforts against extremism, particularly on the far Right, & offers suggestions for prosecuting them. The cases of Robert Jay Matthews & James Ellison are analyzed as examples of failed enforcement policies & inefficient prosecution that enhanced the profile & support of extremist organizations like the Aryan Nations Congress. It is argued that intragovernmental cooperation on all levels would eliminate the need to pass new laws punishing terrorists in favor of enforcement of already existing criminal statutes like the Racketeer Influenced & Corrupt Organizations Act. Civil actions by private citizens against terrorists & extremists are also recommended. It is concluded that, with interagency cooperation, disasters like the Branch Davidian incident in Waco, TX, could have been avoided. T. Arnold