State Secret Protection Act of 2008

To provide safe, fair, and responsible procedures and standards for resolving claims of state secret privilege.

3/13/2008--Introduced.
State Secret Protection Act of 2008 - Declares that in any civil action brought in federal or state court the government has a privilege to refuse to give evidence and to prevent any person from giving evidence only if the government shows that public disclosure of the evidence that the government seeks to protect would be reasonably likely to cause significant harm to the national defense or the diplomatic relations of the United States. Requires the court to take steps, including in camera hearings and other proceedings, to protect sensitive information that comes before it. Sets forth rules regarding the participation of counsel or the disclosure of information when it presents a risk of harm. Provides for court-ordered presentation of adequate or nonprivileged substitutes for privileged evidence. Allows the government to:
(1) assert the privilege in connection with any claim in a civil action to which it is a party; or
(2) intervene in a civil action to which it is not a party in order to do so. Provides that once the government has asserted the privilege, and before the court makes any determinations, the court shall:
(1) undertake a preliminary review of the information in question; and
(2) provide the government an opportunity to seek protective measures under this Act. Establishes procedures and a standard for assessing the privilege claim. Allows disclosure of an item of evidence to a nongovernmental party, or admission at trial, if the court determines that the privilege is not validly asserted. Prohibits such disclosure or admission if the privilege is determined valid. Grants the courts of appeal jurisdiction of an appeal by any party from any interlocutory decision or order of a U.S. district court.


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Sponsor

• Rep. Jerrold Nadler [D, NY-8]
• and 3 Co-Sponsors
  • Rep. John Conyers [D, MI-14]
  • Rep. William Delahunt [D, MA-10]
  • Rep. Thomas Petri [R, WI-6]
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Committees

• House Judiciary

Amendments

This bill has no amendments.

Amendments to H.R.5607

Number	Status	Purpose

Bill Status

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Introduced		Voted on by House		Voted on by Senate		Considered By President		Bill Becomes Law
March 13, 2008

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All Bill Actions

• Mar 13, 2008: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
• Mar 13, 2008: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E392)
• Introduced on Mar 13, 2008.

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Blog Coverage

May 15, 2008 DIVINORUM - Lemon Flavored Kiss

HR 5607 label the Psychochemical Nothing in excess Bring into being in reference to 2002, would con added Salvia divinorum and its motivational mass movement, Salvinorin A, Salvia divinorum foliage on top of on the block unto credit ...

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Source: Ranen Alma Talks

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April 12, 2008 Salvia divinorum

Those opposed to bill HR 5607 include Daniel Siebert, who sent a letter to Congress arguing against the proposed legislation,and the Center for Cognitive Liberty & Ethics (CCLE), who sent key members of the US Congress a report on ...

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Source: Ashvattha All World

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