Case Summary
**Case Summary: United States v. Ressam, Docket No. 78-55659**
**Court:** United States Court of Appeals
**Docket Number:** 78-55659
**Argued:** [Date of argument, if applicable]
**Decided:** [Date of decision, if applicable]
**Overview:**
United States v. Ressam is a notable case that revolves around the apprehension and prosecution of Ahmed Ressam, an Algerian national who attempted to carry out a terrorist attack on U.S. soil. The case highlights issues related to immigration, national security, and the use of evidence gathered in post-9/11 America.
**Background:**
Ahmed Ressam was arrested on December 14, 1999, at the Port Angeles, Washington, ferry terminal while trying to enter the United States from Canada. He was found with explosives, including a substantial quantity of the explosive material known as "nitroglycerin." Authorities later revealed that Ressam planned to use these explosives to attack the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in a plot coinciding with the Y2K millennium.
**Charges:**
Ressam was charged with multiple offenses, including:
1. Possession of explosives.
2. Conspiracy to commit an act of terrorism.
3. Immigration violations.
**Legal Issues:**
Several key legal issues emerged during the case:
1. **Admissibility of Evidence:** There was a contention regarding the evidence collected during Ressam's arrest and interrogation. The defense challenged the methods by which information was gathered, arguing potential violations of his rights.
2. **Sentencing:** The prosecution sought a lengthy sentence based on the severity of the charges and the potential harm caused by Ressam’s actions. The defense argued for leniency based on his claims of being influenced by others.
3. **Terrorism Statutes:** The case also raised legal questions about the application of anti-terrorism statutes and the appropriate standards of evidence required to convict someone on terrorism-related charges.
**Outcome:**
Ultimately, Ressam was convicted of multiple charges related to his attempted terrorist attack. He was sentenced to a lengthy prison term, reflecting the seriousness of his actions and the importance of national security in a post-9/11 context. The case underscored the challenges faced by law enforcement and the legal system in addressing and prosecuting terrorism.
**Significance:**
The United States v. Ressam case became a significant citation in discussions on terrorism, immigration enforcement, and the balance between civil liberties and national security post-9/11. It also served as a pivotal moment that shaped U.S. policies and counter-terrorism strategies in the years that followed.
Please note that some specific details, such as the dates of argument and decision, are not provided here and would need to be filled in as per the appropriate court records or legal databases.