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General Discussion

jmowreader

(50,557 posts) Thu Oct 3, 2013, 10:24 PM Oct 2013

5

Isn't there a law against coup attempts?

And is there really any other word for what the Republican Party is doing right now?

4 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

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Isn't there a law against coup attempts? (Original Post) jmowreader Oct 2013 OP

Not specifically. It would fall under sedition and treason. AAO Oct 2013 #1

There probably isn't a specific law against an actual coup, but a military Warren Stupidity Oct 2013 #2

Smith Act nt steve2470 Oct 2013 #3

Could be called extortion..big time law against that. shraby Oct 2013 #4

AAO

(3,300 posts)

1. Not specifically. It would fall under sedition and treason.

Reply to jmowreader (Original post)

Thu Oct 3, 2013, 10:28 PM

Oct 2013

Warren Stupidity

(48,181 posts)

2. There probably isn't a specific law against an actual coup, but a military

Reply to jmowreader (Original post)

Thu Oct 3, 2013, 10:31 PM

Oct 2013

takeover would obviously violate many laws. However, what the republican majority in the house is doing is not a coup and does not violate any laws as far as I know, despite being an abuse of power and grossly unethical.

steve2470

(37,457 posts)

3. Smith Act nt

Reply to jmowreader (Original post)

Thu Oct 3, 2013, 10:32 PM

Oct 2013

shraby

(21,946 posts)

4. Could be called extortion..big time law against that.

Reply to jmowreader (Original post)

Thu Oct 3, 2013, 10:36 PM

Oct 2013

definition of extortion:
Illegal use of one's official position or powers to obtain property, funds, or patronage

"Whoever, being an officer, or employee of the United States or any department or agency thereof, or representing himself to be or assuming to act as such, under color or pretense of office or employment commits or attempts an act of extortion, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than three years, or both; but if the amount so extorted or demanded does not exceed $1,000, he shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both. "
Federal Extortion Law - 18 USC § 872 - Extortion by officers or employees of the United States

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