terrorism

National Security/Criminal LawLegal glossary term

Legal Definition

Terrorism, in a legal context, refers to the use of violence or threats to intimidate a civilian population or government entity to achieve political, military, or economic goals. It is a concept often addressed in constitutional law concerning the scope and application of governmental power and the definition of legitimate force used by actors.

Plain-English Translation

Imagine terrorism as when bad guys use scary actions—like bombs or attacks—to try and make the government or other people feel scared so they will change what they are doing. In law, it means defining these acts as a serious threat that challenges the established order of things.

Context in Contracts

It matters in legal documents because it forms the basis for defining criminal statutes related to national security, federal law enforcement jurisdiction, and the scope of legitimate government authority when responding to threats posed by non-state actors. It dictates what constitutes a serious threat requiring specific legal remedies.

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01

An act of terrorism where a group uses an attack to compel a government to enact specific policy changes.

02

A statute defining the scope of federal jurisdiction over terrorist acts.

Document context

How terrorism shows up in legal documents

What is it?

The use of violence or threats by non-state actors (such as terrorist groups) to achieve political, military, or economic objectives against a state or its population, often involving the strategic application of force to compel governmental action or response.

Why does it matter?

It matters in legal documents because it forms the basis for defining criminal statutes related to national security, federal law enforcement jurisdiction, and the scope of legitimate government authority when responding to threats posed by non-state actors. It dictates what constitutes a serious threat requiring specific legal remedies.

When does it matter?

When discussing the legitimacy of governmental action against threats originating from non-state entities, or in statutes defining the types of acts that qualify as terrorism under federal law.

Where is it usually seen?

In federal statutes concerning national security, criminal law, and regulatory frameworks where the actions of terrorist groups are analyzed to determine jurisdiction and legal accountability.

Who is affected?

Affected parties include governmental entities (states, federal agencies) whose interests are threatened by the actions of terrorist groups, and the civilian population whose rights are impacted by the threat posed by these acts.

How does it work?

It works in practice by analyzing the intent behind violent acts—whether they were executed to achieve a political or military goal rather than just random violence—and determining the legal consequences for the perpetrators and the state's response.

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External reference for terrorism

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Disclaimer: We do not provide legal advice. We translate legal language into plain English and help you prepare for a conversation with a lawyer.