Reading Room Document
Los Angeles Riot
The document is a memorandum discussing the applicability of the Disaster Act of 1950 to the Los Angeles riot. It concludes that the President has the legal authority to declare the riot a "major disaster" and provide federal assistance. The document presents questions regarding the definition of "fire" and "other catastrophe" in the Act, and whether the riot qualifies as a "major disaster." It also reviews the legislative history of the Act to support the conclusion reached in the memorandum. The questions presented for review include the interpretation of the Act's language and the intention of Congress in providing federal assistance for disasters.
The OLC's Opinions
Opinions published by the OLC, including those released in response to our FOIA lawsuit