| Lindbergh Law |
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Information AboutLindbergh Law |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT FEDERAL KIDNAPPING ACT | |
| kidnappings | |
| united states federal criminal legislation | |
| kidnapping act | |
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The theory behind the Lindbergh Law was that federal law enforcement intervention was needed because state and local law enforcement officers could not effectively pursue Kidnapper s across state borders; since federal law enforcement officers, such as FBI agents, have national enforcement authority, Congress believed they could do a much more effective job of dealing with kidnappings than could state and local authorities. Several states implemented their own versions of this law, known as "Little Lindbergh" laws, covering acts of kidnapping that did not cross state lines. In some states, if the victim were physically harmed in any manner, the crime qualified for the death penalty. This was what occurred in the Caryl Chessman case in California. Following the death penalty law revisions by the United States Supreme Court during the 1970's, kidnapping alone no longer constitutes a capital offense. A provision of the law provides exception for parents who abduct their minor children. (Although, see United States V. Sheek ). |
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