Judy Smith was just dumped by her boyfriend of 5 years, Stephen Myers. Stephen has found a new woman in his life and is about to take her on a 7-day Caribbean cruise. Judy is distraught at the thought of Stephen with another woman

Question

She writes a letter threatening to blow up the entire cruise ship if Stephen does not take her back. Federal law enforcement learns of the threat to the cruise ship and uses the PATRIOT Act to investigate Judy. Has Judy committed a crime of terrorism? Why or why not? Should the PATRIOT Act be used to investigate this type of crime?

Answer 1

Student answers will vary but students should argue whether Judy committed a crime of terrorism and whether the PATRIOT Act should be used to investigate this type of crime. Though no one definition is all-encompassing, terrorism is usually premeditated, politically driven violence against noncombatants (i.e., innocent bystanders). Arguably, Judy is not threatening terrorism as her act is not politically driven violence. Although her actions are arguably criminal they do not appear to be terroristic acts. In regards to whether the Patriot Act should be sued to investigate this type of crime, student answers will vary. However, as Judy's actions are arguably not terroristic than the PATRIOT Act is arguably not appropriate.