Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act

rdf:langString Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act

rdf:langString John Cornyn

rdf:langString Senate

rdf:langString Senate

rdf:langString voice vote

rdf:langString Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act

rdf:langString The Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) (Pub.L. 114–222 (text) (PDF)) is a law enacted by the United States Congress that narrows the scope of the legal doctrine of foreign sovereign immunity. It amends the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act and the Anti-Terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act in regards to civil claims against a foreign state for injuries, death, or damages from an act of international terrorism. Previously, U.S. citizens were permitted to sue a foreign state if such state was designated as a state sponsor of terrorism by the United States Department of State and if they were harmed by that state's aid for international terrorism. JASTA authorizes federal courts to exercise subject matter jurisdiction over any foreign state's support for acts of international terrorism against a U.S. national or property regardless of whether such state is designated as a state sponsor of terrorism. The bill passed the Senate with no opposition in May 2016 and, in September 2016, was unanimously passed by the House of Representatives. On September 28, 2016, both houses of Congress passed the bill into law after overriding a veto from President Obama which had occurred five days earlier. This was the only presidential veto override of Obama's administration. The practical effect of the legislation was to allow the continuation of a longstanding civil lawsuit brought by families of victims of the September 11 attacks against Saudi Arabia for its government's alleged role in the attacks, though the law does not mention Saudi Arabia by name.

rdf:langString An act to deter terrorism, provide justice for victims, and for other purposes.