Abstract This paper discussed the differences between domestic and international terrorism. It identified some of the factors that contribute to the increased threats in domestic terrorism. This paper revealed that differences of opinion by some administrators within the criminal justice system as to what a true terrorist act is defined as complicates the investigation of terrorist acts. Finally, this paper discussed how the role of the criminal justice system must be modified to better work to curtail terrorist acts. Increased communications, improving relationships within the Arab-American communities, and learn from past terrorist acts were discussed.
Terrorism A terrorist act can occur anyplace at anytime, domestically or …show more content…
5). Bjelopera (2013) noted that one of the biggest factors is it is hard to determine, even with a definition of domestic terrorism, which acts committed in the U.S. Territories are actually domestic terrorism (p.2). Bjelopera noted that trying to ascertain what the actual number of cases that have been tried as domestic terrorism is “a little unclear” (p. 5), and that the court records are generally available to the public in these matters (p. 5). Bjelopera (2013) also noted that the term “domestic terrorism” is somewhat broad and the definition needs to be narrowed because it is too broad (p. 5). For example, a husband who becomes upset with his wife and uses a firearm to kill his entire family has not yet committed an act of domestic terrorism by FBI (n.d.) definition. However, the grey area comes into play when law enforcement makes a nexus to killing the entire family as meeting the “community” component of the second definition requirement. Bjelopera (2013) supported this belief when he noted that there exists some ambiguity as to when criminal conduct becomes domestic terrorism (p. …show more content…
While terrorist acts can be the same domestically and internationally, the only difference between the two is where the terrorist acts occur. The role of the criminal justice system regarding terrorism is somewhat convoluted as certain acts are unclear if they are terrorist acts or just another criminal act caused by a perpetrator. According to some researchers and law enforcement personnel, the definition of terrorism is too broad. Finally, the criminal justice system must begin to actively become more involved in information sharing, better prosecution, investigations, and community outreach when it comes to effectively dealing with terrorist activity. According to Jenkins (2006), we will not be able to predict what course terrorism will take over the next decade (p. 129). However, if the criminal justice system agencies work in concert to improve communications, clearly define definitions, and build relationships, our efforts to curb terrorist activity may increase
Terrorism A terrorist act can occur anyplace at anytime, domestically or …show more content…
5). Bjelopera (2013) noted that one of the biggest factors is it is hard to determine, even with a definition of domestic terrorism, which acts committed in the U.S. Territories are actually domestic terrorism (p.2). Bjelopera noted that trying to ascertain what the actual number of cases that have been tried as domestic terrorism is “a little unclear” (p. 5), and that the court records are generally available to the public in these matters (p. 5). Bjelopera (2013) also noted that the term “domestic terrorism” is somewhat broad and the definition needs to be narrowed because it is too broad (p. 5). For example, a husband who becomes upset with his wife and uses a firearm to kill his entire family has not yet committed an act of domestic terrorism by FBI (n.d.) definition. However, the grey area comes into play when law enforcement makes a nexus to killing the entire family as meeting the “community” component of the second definition requirement. Bjelopera (2013) supported this belief when he noted that there exists some ambiguity as to when criminal conduct becomes domestic terrorism (p. …show more content…
While terrorist acts can be the same domestically and internationally, the only difference between the two is where the terrorist acts occur. The role of the criminal justice system regarding terrorism is somewhat convoluted as certain acts are unclear if they are terrorist acts or just another criminal act caused by a perpetrator. According to some researchers and law enforcement personnel, the definition of terrorism is too broad. Finally, the criminal justice system must begin to actively become more involved in information sharing, better prosecution, investigations, and community outreach when it comes to effectively dealing with terrorist activity. According to Jenkins (2006), we will not be able to predict what course terrorism will take over the next decade (p. 129). However, if the criminal justice system agencies work in concert to improve communications, clearly define definitions, and build relationships, our efforts to curb terrorist activity may increase