The anti-terrorism act signed by Gov. James McGreevey on June 18 is one of the most sweeping measures passed by a state since the Sept. 11 attacks, being aimed at terrorists, those who aid them and those whose acts play on public fears of terrorism.

The new law, criminalizing terrorist actions at the state level, can serve as a backup if portions of the federal law are struck down, if federal convictions are overturned or if the federal government declines to prosecute.