Us Code § 509B - Section to enforce human rights laws

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 509B — Section to enforce human rights laws, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 509B. Section to enforce human rights laws

(a) Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of the Human Rights Enforcement Act of 2009, the Attorney General shall establish a section within the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice with responsibility for the enforcement of laws against suspected participants in serious human rights offenses.

(b) The section established under subsection (a) is authorized to—

(1) take appropriate legal action against individuals suspected of participating in serious human rights offenses; and

(2) coordinate any such legal action with the United States Attorney for the relevant jurisdiction.


(c) The Attorney General shall, as appropriate, consult with the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of State.

(d) In determining the appropriate legal action to take against individuals who are suspected of committing serious human rights offenses under Federal law, the section shall take into consideration the availability of criminal prosecution under the laws of the United States for such offenses or in a foreign jurisdiction that is prepared to undertake a prosecution for the conduct that forms the basis for such offenses.

(e) The term "serious human rights offenses" includes violations of Federal criminal laws relating to genocide, torture, war crimes, and the use or recruitment of child soldiers under sections 1091, 2340, 2340A, 2441, and 2442 of title 18, United States Code.

(Added Pub. L. 111–122, §2(b), Dec. 22, 2009, 123 Stat. 3480.)


Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of the enactment of the Human Rights Enforcement Act of 2009, referred to in subsec. (a), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 111–122, which was approved Dec. 22, 2009.

About This Section

28 U.S.C. § 509B is part of Title 28 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 28 U.S.C. § 509B. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 509B

What does United States Code § 509B cover?

Section 509B ("Section to enforce human rights laws") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 509B?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 509B" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 509B apply to my situation?

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Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.