Kamisha’s Law
Term Dictionary
If you come across any unfamiliar words while reading, these resources can help make everything clearer. Pick whichever one works best for you!
- Congress.gov Legislative Glossary - Comprehensive congressional terms
- NVFC Congressional Terms Glossary - Concise, easy-to-understand definitions
The gist
Kamisha's Law eliminates statutes of limitations for federal second-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, and attempted manslaughter, letting prosecutors charge these cases at any time.
Who wins, who loses
- Wins: families of cold-case homicide victims, federal prosecutors pursuing decades-old killings.
- Loses: defendants in old cases, defense attorneys arguing faded evidence and memories hurt fair trials.
What it does
- Adds new Section 3302 to Chapter 213 of Title 18, United States Code (US Code).
- Removes time limits for nine categories of federal non-capital homicides under sections 1111-1121.
- Covers second-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, and attempted manslaughter.
- First-degree murder already has no time limit, so this fills the gap below it.
Why should I care?
Supporters say killers shouldn't escape justice just because years passed before evidence surfaced — DNA technology now solves cold cases constantly. Critics argue old prosecutions risk wrongful convictions when witnesses die, memories fade, and alibis vanish. An alternative being debated: extend limits to 25 or 30 years instead of removing them entirely. Where do you land? Vote below and use "Tell Your Rep" to make sure your voice reaches Congress.