Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996
The Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 is a series of laws in the US introduced on April 24, 1996 to "deter terrorism, provide justice for victims, provide for an effective death penalty, and for other purposes". It was introduced in haste following the Oklahoma City bombing.
It imposes a limit for all habeas appeals in capital cases and reduces the length of the appeal process by limiting the role of the federal courts.
Text of the Act (http://usinfo.state.gov/usa/infousa/laws/majorlaw/s735_enr.htm)