1.5: Justice
Ensuring a Responsive, Fair, and Effective System of Justice Other Information:
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, redefined the mission of the Department of Justice, making the prevention of
terrorism and the promotion of national security its primary mission. In accordance with this shift in focus, the Department
of Justice restructured its internal organizations. In particular, it undertook a substantial restructuring of the Federal
Bureau of Investigation, redefining the agency’s mission and priorities in light of the increased focus on antiterrorism.
Moreover, the USA Patriot Act, passed in October 2001, significantly expanded federal law enforcement and investigative authority
and, with billions of dollars in additional funding, greatly increased the federal counterterrorism role. Although the Department
of Homeland Security (DHS) is expected to coordinate the executive branch’s efforts to detect, prepare for, prevent, respond
to, and recover from terrorist attacks within the United States, many of these functions are the primary roles of law enforcement
at the federal, state, and local levels. This heightens the importance of effective coordination and cooperation and the Department
of Justice’s responsibilities and leadership in preventing terrorism and promoting homeland security. In addition to its primary
mission, the Department of Justice continues to enforce federal laws; deter, investigate, and prosecute federal crimes, including
gun, drug, and civil rights violations; incarcerate offenders; partner with federal, state, and local governments and organizations
to prevent crime, including crimes against children; and provide leadership and assistance in meeting the needs of crime victims.
In particular, the Congress and the public look to the federal government for leadership on how to control domestic and transnational
crime, including terrorism, while protecting civil liberties. Increases in funding also require that the federal government
efficiently use and effectively manage the resources available for the administration of justice and the judiciary.
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