Alien Tort Statute Reform Act
Bill journey · stage 2 of 5
Under committee review
What it doesSummary introduced in senate (Oct 17, 2005)
Alien Tort Statute Reform Act - Amends the federal judicial code to revise the alien tort (injury) statute. Grants exclusive, as well as original, jurisdiction to U.S. district courts over tort claims brought by aliens against U.S. individuals and business entities (e.g., corporations and partnerships). Specifies the torts that are actionable under the Act as torture, extrajudicial killing, genocide, piracy, slavery, or slave trading.
Establishes as the legal standard for defendant liability under the Act direct participation with specific intent to commit the alleged tort. Requires courts to decline jurisdiction over an alien tort claim if: (1) the alien claimant has not exhausted adequate and available remedies in the place where the alleged tort occurred; or (2) the President certifies in writing that the exercise of jurisdiction will have a negative impact on U.S. foreign policy interests.
Requires claims under the Act to be brought within 10 years from the date of the alleged tort.
What just happenedOct 17, 2005
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S11435-11436)
Who’s behind it
- Oct 17, 2005IntroReferral
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S11435-11436)
Judiciary Committee - Oct 17, 2005IntroReferralB00100
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S11423-11435)
- Oct 17, 2005IntroReferral10000
Introduced in Senate