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Mccarran Act / Subversive Activities Control Act of 1950
Understanding the Mccarran Act / Subversive Activities Control Act of 1950
Definition & Meaning
The McCarran Act, officially known as the Subversive Activities Control Act of 1950, is a federal law in the United States aimed at regulating activities deemed subversive to national security. This law mandated that Communist organizations register with the U.S. Attorney General and established the Subversive Activities Control Board to investigate individuals suspected of promoting totalitarian regimes, including fascism and communism. The Act imposed restrictions on members of these organizations, including limitations on citizenship and travel, and allowed for the denaturalization of citizen-members within five years. Although parts of the Act were later deemed unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court, it remained in effect until its repeal in 1993. The Act is named after Senator Patrick Anthony McCarran, a prominent anti-Communist figure during the Cold War.
Table of content
Legal Use & context
The McCarran Act is primarily relevant in the context of national security law and civil rights. It has been used in legal proceedings concerning the registration and regulation of organizations classified as subversive. Legal practitioners may encounter this Act when dealing with cases related to civil liberties, immigration, and national security. Users can manage some related legal processes using templates available through US Legal Forms, which provide guidance on compliance and registration requirements.
Key legal elements
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A group identified as a Communist organization registers with the U.S. Attorney General as required by the McCarran Act. This registration allows the government to monitor their activities.
Example 2: A U.S. citizen who is a member of a registered Communist organization faces denaturalization proceedings after five years of membership, as stipulated by the Act. (hypothetical example)
Relevant laws & statutes
The McCarran Act is the primary statute associated with this topic. Other relevant legal frameworks include various civil rights protections that have evolved since the Act's passage, particularly those addressing unconstitutional aspects of the law. However, no specific laws directly counteract the McCarran Act as it was repealed in 1993.
Comparison with related terms
Term
Definition
Key Differences
McCarran Act
Federal law regulating subversive activities and organizations.
Specifically targets Communist organizations and their members.
Smith Act
Federal law criminalizing advocacy of violent overthrow of the government.
Focuses on advocacy rather than registration of organizations.
Internal Security Act
Broader term that includes the McCarran Act and other security measures.
Encompasses a wider range of security-related legislation.
Common misunderstandings
What to do if this term applies to you
If you believe the McCarran Act may impact your organization or situation, consider the following steps:
Consult legal resources or professionals for guidance on compliance and implications.
Explore US Legal Forms for templates related to registration and compliance.
If facing legal action or denaturalization, seek professional legal assistance immediately.
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