[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 99 (Tuesday, July 26, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 26, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
          INTRODUCTION OF THE ENFORCEMENT SUPPORT ACT OF 1994

                                 ______


                            HON. JIM COOPER

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 26, 1994

  Mr. COOPER. Mr. Speaker, many Americans have been glued to their 
television sets over the past several weeks to witness the latest 
developments of the O.J. Simpson saga. The televised hearings stemmed 
from a tragic incident, but they have served a useful purpose in 
educating Americans about the judicial process.
  The case has reminded us of the extremely influential role lawyers 
play in the criminal process. Under current law, crafty defense lawyers 
are able to avoid or overturn their clients convictions based on a 
variety of legal technicalities. Specifically, the exclusionary rule 
allows courts to keep highly relevant evidence seized from crime scenes 
away from juries if the police or prosecutors have not adequately 
jumped through all the legal hoops required by current law.
  We are, all of us, outraged by the rising tide of crimes in this 
country. We have to plug the legal loopholes that let criminals go 
free. We have to allow the police to do their jobs.
  That's why I am introducing today the ``Law Enforcement Support Act 
of 1994.'' This bill reforms the exclusionary rule by requiring courts 
to admit evidence obtained in a search or seizure which was undertaken 
in good faith. If a police officer reasonably believes that he is 
acting in conformity with the fourth amendment, such evidence would not 
be excluded.
  My bill is by no means revolutionary. Identical language was 
introduced on the House floor as an amendment to the Omnibus Crime Bill 
in the 102d Congress. It passed by a bipartisan vote of 247-165, only 
to be deleted in conference committee. This is a reasoned, deliberate 
approach to a difficult problem and has broad support in the law 
enforcement community.
  A strong show of support for my measure could convince House leaders 
to bring this issue to the floor for consideration before the August 
recess.
  We should not handcuff the police as they fight their continuing 
battle against crime. I urge my colleagues to cosponsor and support the 
Law Enforcement Support Act of 1994.

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