Jail Time for Offensive Facebook Posts? | Overcriminalized.com Update

If you are having trouble viewing this message click here to view it online.

January 10, 2013 Edition    |    Discover more at Overcriminalized.com and Rule of Law home page General Editor: Paul Larkin of the Center for Legal and Judicial Studies

Jail Time for Offensive Facebook Posts? How many people would be in jail if annoying or offending a person were against the law? The answer: pretty much everyone. If you think that you might be one of these people and you like to send information electronically, there are a few places you should probably avoid. READ MORE >>

Senator Rand Paul's Crusade Against Overcriminalization Since he was sworn into the Senate in 2011, Senator Rand Paul (R–KY) has consistently fought against overcriminalization. Senator Paul has spent his time in the Senate educating people on the issue of overcriminalization, blocking legislation with overcriminalization elements, and proposing solutions to the overcriminalization problem. Paul should be applauded for his efforts. READ MORE >>

From NRO: Laws are for Little People Video From NACDL: Experts, Including Former Attorney General Ed Meese, Discuss Overcriminalization

Legislative Update from Capitol Hill Follow links below to learn about laws pending in Congress that may perpetuate Overcriminalization NEW CRIMINAL LAW PROPOSALS H.R. 6638: Supporting Access to Formulated and Effective Compounded Drugs Act of 2012 (S.A.F.E. Compounded Drugs Act of 2012) H.R. 6679: Counterfeit Drug Enforcement Act of 2012 S. 3688: Stopping Tax Offenders and Prosecuting Identity Theft Act of 2012 (STOP Identity Theft Act of 2012) UPDATES

See Full List of Pending Legislation >>

The Definitive Book on Why and How to Reform Criminal Law Available Now ABOUT OVERCRIMINALIZATION The Heritage Foundation and a coalition of public interest legal groups are committed to reversing the troubling trend of overcriminalization, which is defined by three attributes: 1. Federalizing crime that properly belongs under state and local jurisdiction; 2. Imposing criminal penalties upon persons who acted without criminal intent (mens rea); 3. Applying criminal sanctions to conduct that historically has not been considered wrongful. This Legislative Update includes bills our researchers have identified that add or expand federal criminal offenses or penalties, but it generally does NOT include bills involving drugs, firearms, or crimes of violence.

The Center for Legal and Judicial Studies at The Heritage Foundation Founded in 1973, The Heritage Foundation is the nation’s most broadly supported public policy organization. Heritage created the Center for Legal and Judicial Studies in 2001 to educate government officials, the media and the public about the Constitution, legal principles and how they affect public policy.