Sensenbrenner Introduces Bill to Simplify Criminal Code
Washington, DC,
Nov 8, 2007 -
In an ongoing effort to update and consolidate provisions in the U.S. Criminal Code, Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Menomonee Falls) this week re-introduced the Criminal Code Modernization and Simplification Act of 2007. This measure was originally introduced by Representative Sensenbrenner during his tenure as Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee to rid the existing code of numerous outdated provisions.
“My bill eliminates nearly one-third of the entire criminal code by trimming away duplication and tightening up redundancies,” Sensenbrenner stated. “This code has not been revised in over 50 years, and as a result, has become bloated with an over-abundance of criminal provisions -- many of which are no longer relevant in today’s world.”
The Criminal Code Modernization and Simplification Act:
- Adopts consistent, uniformed definitions;
- Eliminates complicated and confusing language;
- Removes out-dated federal crimes;
- Consolidates crimes which are duplicative of each other.
The goal of this bill is to ignite discussion among legal scholars and other interested parties to focus attention on the need for reforming criminal laws. The bill intends to reduce the federalization of crimes that are more appropriately prosecuted on the local level.
“We need to ensure that the federal role continues to be limited and that antiquated provisions are eliminated,” Sensenbrenner continued. “An example of an existing federal crime that will be eliminated by this legislation is the protection of the ‘Smokey the Bear’ character. This says it all! When the criminal code requires the government to protect a fictional character, then it’s long past time for us to take another good hard look at it,” concluded Sensenbrenner.
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