Terrorism Definition:

The International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism, at §2(1)(b), defines terrorism as:

"Any other act intended to cause death or serious bodily injury to a civilian, or to any other person not taking an active part in the hostilities in a situation of armed conflict, when the purpose of such act, by its nature or context, is to intimidate a population, or to compel a government or an international organization to do or to abstain from doing any act."

The United States Code, at Title 8, §1182 defines terrorism as:

"The hijacking or sabotage of any conveyance (including an aircraft, vessel, or vehicle);

"The seizing or detaining, and threatening to kill, injure, or continue to detain, another individual in order to compel a third person (including a governmental organization) to do or abstain from doing any act as an explicit or implicit condition for the release of the individual seized or detained; (...)

"An assassination;

"The use of any biological agent, chemical agent, or nuclear weapon or device, or explosive, firearm, or other weapon or dangerous device (other than for mere personal monetary gain), with intent to endanger, directly or indirectly, the safety of one or more individuals or to cause substantial damage to property".

REFERENCES:

• International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism, United Nations General Assembly, Resolution 54/109, December 9, 1999
• Suresh v. Canada, 2002 SCC 1