PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Referred to the Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional Rights.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jan 26, 1993
Amends the Federal criminal code to establish criteria for the imposition of the death penalty for Federal crimes. Requires the Government, for any offense punishable by death, to serve notice upon the defendant a reasonable time before trial or acceptance of a plea that it intends to seek the death penalty, as well as notice of the aggravating factors upon which it will rely. Requires a separate sentencing hearing before a jury, or the court upon motion by the defendant, when the defendant is found guilty or pleads guilty to an offense punishable by death. Provides that no presentence report shall be prepared in such cases. Allows the defendant and the Government to present any information relevant to sentencing, but permits information to be excluded where its probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice, confusion of the issues, or misleading of the jury. Specifies mitigating and aggravating factors. Allows the death penalty to be imposed for: (1) the murder of foreign officials, Federal judges, Federal law enforcement officers, or Federal penal or correctional employees; and (2) an offense of kidnapping resulting in the death of any person. Eliminates the death penalty for the crime of rape. Imposes the death penalty or a life sentence without the possibility of parole for any Federal prisoner who commits murder. Authorizes the death penalty for the crime of attempting to kill the President of the United States if the attempt results in bodily injury to the President or otherwise comes dangerously close to causing his death. Establishes procedures for appeal from a death sentence.
People & committees
Rep. Sundquist, Don [R-TN-7] · R–TN
Legislative record
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Referred to the Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional Rights.
Referred to the House Committee on Judiciary.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Jan 2, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.638 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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