DOJ Seeks Power to Defer Statute of Limitations Over Coronavirus

(Bloomberg) -- The Justice Department is seeking emergency legislation that would give U.S. judges the power to extend deadlines for prosecuting criminal cases in response to disruptions from the coronavirus outbreak.

The legislation essentially seeks to provide a national baseline for powers that judges already have and, in some cases, are using in response to the coronavirus crisis. But the proposal would help clarify those powers and establish guidelines for when they come to an end.

“Criminals should not be able to avoid justice because of a public-health emergency,” according to a statement Monday from the Justice Department.

“Because of pandemic-related measures, courts are closing and grand juries are not meeting,” according to the statement. “That means prosecutors may not be able to indict criminals before a statute of limitations expires, or dangerous criminals who have been arrested may be released because of time limits.”

The new powers would end upon the termination of the national coronavirus emergency or upon a finding by the chief justice of the Supreme Court that they’re no longer necessary. With lawmakers entirely focused on spending bills related to the virus, however, it’s not clear the legislation will be taken up soon.

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