Fact Check: The United States has laws against soliciting murder
What We Know
The claim that the United States has laws against soliciting murder is accurate. Under federal law, specifically 18 U.S. Code § 373, it is illegal to solicit another person to commit a crime of violence, which includes murder. This statute states that anyone who, with intent, solicits another to engage in conduct that constitutes a felony involving physical force against another person is committing a crime. The law allows for prosecution even if the solicited crime is not ultimately carried out.
In addition to federal law, many states have their own statutes addressing solicitation of murder. For example, the District of Columbia has § 22–2107, which explicitly states that anyone guilty of soliciting murder can face imprisonment for up to 20 years, regardless of whether the murder occurs. This reflects a broader legal consensus that solicitation of murder is a serious offense.
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim comes from both federal and state legal frameworks. The federal statute 18 U.S. Code § 373 was enacted as part of the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984, which aimed to address violent crime more effectively. The law is designed to intervene early in cases where there is a clear intent to commit violence, thus reflecting a proactive approach to crime prevention.
The reliability of the sources is high, as they include official legal texts and government publications. The Justice Manual provides an overview of solicitation laws and emphasizes the seriousness with which Congress views the act of soliciting violence. Furthermore, the murder-for-hire statute, which is also part of federal law, reinforces the legal framework against soliciting murder by criminalizing the act of hiring someone to commit murder.
While there may be variations in how solicitation laws are applied across different states, the existence of such laws at both the federal and state levels confirms the claim's validity. The legal consequences outlined in these statutes demonstrate a clear legislative intent to deter solicitation of murder and hold individuals accountable for such actions.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the United States has laws against soliciting murder is true. Both federal and state laws explicitly prohibit solicitation of murder, with significant penalties for those found guilty of such offenses. The legal framework is well-established and reflects a commitment to addressing and preventing violent crime.
