Domestic Terrorism, Research Paper Example

Section 802 of the USA Patriot Act gives an expanded definition of domestic terrorism. Accordingly, to be considered an act of domestic terrorism, the act must be “dangerous to human life” and be in violation of state of federal criminal laws. (American Civil Liberties Union) In addition, the act must be intended to: 1) intimidate or coerce a civilian population; 2) influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or 3) to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping. Finally, the act must take place within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States. (American Civil Liberties Union)

Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty (SHAC) was organized at the end of 1999, after a group of activists successfully protested against and shut down two lab animal breeders, Consort kennels and Hillgrove cat farm. (SHAC) SHAC has admitted to using a variety of specific tactics to facilitate their campaigns. Among these tactics are instances of property destruction, including destruction of office equipment and property still being used on a daily basis by employees, instances of bombings, break-ins, theft of animals, media campaigns against specific company employees, smoke-bombing occupied offices, sending threatening messages to employees, and encouraging its supporters to commit violent acts against its targets. (blackmax)

If SHAC’s tactics are compared with the USA PATRIOT Act definition, SHAC can be considered a terrorist group. The bombings, smoke-bombs, and property destruction are all acts “dangerous to human life”. These acts, as well as the threats and harassment, are meant to “intimidate or coerce a civilian population”. Finally, though SHAC is a global operation, many of these acts take place within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States.

Bibliography

American Civil Liberties Union. How the USA PATRIOT Act redefines “domestic terrorism”. 6 December 2002. 27 April 2012 <http://www.aclu.org/national-security/how-usa-patriot-act-redefines-domestic-terrorism>.

US Domestic Terrorism: Stop Huntingdom Animal Cruelty. Ed. Creative Commons. 2012. Creative Commons. 27 April 2012 <http://www.historycommons.org/timeline.jsp?timeline=us_domestic_terrorism_tmln&haitian_elite_2021_organizations=us_domestic_terrorism_tmln_shac>.

SHAC. Introduction to SHAC. 2012. 27 April 2012 <http://www.shac.net/SHAC/shac_intro.html>.

Siegel, Larry J. Criminology 4th Edition . n.d.