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ETHICS IN GOVERNMENT ACT OF 1978 - PUBLIC LAW 95-521, OCTOBER 26, 1978

NCJ Number
64614
Author(s)
ANON
Date Published
1978
Length
63 pages
Annotation
THIS ACT REGULATES FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS FOR GOVERNMENT PERSONNEL AND ESTABLISHES THE OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT ETHICS, A SPECIAL PROSECUTOR, AND A SENATE LEGAL COUNSEL.
Abstract
MEMBERS OF CONGRESS, EMPLOYEES OF THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH WHO ARE GS-16 OR THE EQUIVALENT, AND CANDIDATES FOR CONGRESS MUST FILE STATEMENTS ON THEIR SOURCES OF INCOME BY MAY 15TH. REGULATIONS CONCERNING THESE REPORTS ARE DETAILED, INCLUDING BLIND TRUST REQUIREMENTS, FILING PROCEDURES, AND CIVIL PENALTIES. RULES GOVERNING THE COPYING, DESTRUCTION, AND USE OF SUCH REPORTS ARE DESCRIBED. DEFINITIONS OF TERMS USED IN THE LEGISLATION ARE PROVIDED. THE COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MONITORING COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAW AND MUST REPORT REGULARLY TO CONGRESS. THE ACT MANDATES SIMILAR REGULATIONS FOR EXECUTIVE LEVEL APPOINTMENTS, THE PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT, CANDIDATES FOR THESE OFFICES, SPECIFIED EMPLOYEES OF THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH, OFFICIALS OF THE POSTAL SERVICE, THE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT ETHICS, AND JUDICIAL OFFICERS AND THEIR EMPLOYEES. THE OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT ETHICS IS ESTABLISHED TO HANDLE CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, EVALUATE COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAW, AND INVESTIGATE POSSIBLE VIOLATIONS. THE LEGISLATION ALSO AMENDS THE U.S. CODE CONCERNING CONFLICTS OF INTEREST REGARDING FORMER GOVERNMENTAL EMPLOYEES OR PARTNERS OF CURRENT OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL IS GIVEN AUTHORITY TO APPOINT A SPECIAL PROSECUTOR TO INVESTIGATE SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS SUSPECTED OF VIOLATING A FEDERAL CRIMINAL LAW. OTHER PROVISIONS DESCRIBE THE DUTIES OF THE SPECIAL PROSECUTOR, TERMINATION OF THE OFFICE, AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. THREE JUDGES ARE TO BE ASSIGNED FOR 2-YEAR TERMS TO A DIVISION OF THE U.S. COURT OF APPEALS TO APPOINT SPECIAL PROSECUTORS. THE FINAL PROVISION OF THE ACT ESTABLISHES A SENATE LEGAL COUNSEL TO REPRESENT THE SENATE IN LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. (MJM)