The ICAOS operates at the intersection of public safety, interstate cooperation, and constitutional law. Legal risk arises in two principal ways:
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State accountability for compact noncompliance. Member states are legally bound to follow the compact and its rules. Material or persistent noncompliance may result in commission enforcement action and, if necessary, judicial enforcement.
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Supervised individuals (and less frequently victims or third parties) may bring claims alleging constitutional violations or state-law torts tied to compact decisions, detention, or supervision practices.