Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 1 of 1
Full-Text Articles in Law
“Counter-Terrorism Law”, Matthew S. R. Palmer
“Counter-Terrorism Law”, Matthew S. R. Palmer
The Hon Justice Matthew Palmer
I suggest that there is no conceptually distinct and coherent body of law we can sensibly call counter-terrorism law.
Terrorist actions are a global problem that must be tackled firmly and effectively. Legislation is a powerful symbol of commitment to do that. And, while the causes of terrorism must be addressed using multi-prong strategies, the acts of terror themselves must be dealt with by the law. But terrorist actions are the same as criminal actions; the difference is that they are politically motivated. Motivation can affect the penalties that are imposed on offenders, but motivation itself is not sensibly the …