This article is missing information about coercion of political activity. Please expand the article to include this information. Further details may exist on the talk page. (May 2018)
Title 18 consists of five parts. Four of these, Parts I through IV, concern crimes, criminal procedure, prisons and prisoners, and juvenile delinquency, respectively, and were included in the original title when it was enacted in 1948. The fifth part, concerning witness immunity, was not included in the original title but was added in 1970.
This section needs expansion with: creating the summary for each section in Parts I through V.. You can help by adding to it. (November 2023)
The odd-numbered chapters (i.e. chapters 1 through 117) were all included in the original Title 18. The other chapters were added at various times - see below for the complete date and citations for each chapter.
Chapters 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 were all included in the original title as it was enacted by statute 62 Stat.683.
Chapter 2 was added to Title 18 in July 1956 with the enactment of law 70 Stat.538. Chapter 10 was added to Title 18 in May 1990 with the enactment of law 104 Stat.201.
Section 1 which classified offenses as felonies and misdemeanors, has been repealed per Public Law 98-473, title II, Section 218(a)(1), as of October 12, 1984. 98 Stat. 2027.
Section 17, last amended in 1986, deals with the insanity defense, defining it as "an affirmative defense to a prosecution under any Federal statute that, at the time of the commission of the acts constituting the offense, the defendant, as a result of a severe mental disease or defect, was unable to appreciate the nature and quality or the wrongfulness of his acts", that "mental disease or defect does not otherwise constitute a defense", and that "the defendant has the burden of proving the defense of insanity by clear and convincing evidence".
Section 38, added in 2000, deals with "fraud involving aircraft or space vehicle parts in interstate or foreign commerce".
Section 39, added in 2005 prohibits unauthorized traffic signal preemption transmitters, while an additional Section 39A, added in 2012, prohibits aiming a laser pointer at or in the flight path of an aircraft, and Section 39B, added in 2018, prohibits the flying of a drone in an unsafe manner around an aircraft.
Section 40, last amended in 2008, requires commercial vehicles to stop for inspections. An additional Section 40A, added in 2018, prohibits operating an unmanned aircraft and knowingly or recklessly interfering with a wildfire suppression, or law enforcement or emergency response efforts related to a wildfire suppression, provides for penalties and definitions, and exempts certain operating purposes of unmanned aircraft.
Section 43 is titled "Force, violence, and threats involving animal enterprises" and prohibits intentional disruption or harm to "animal enterprises" through interstate or foreign commerce, and provides various penalties.
Section 44 has been repealed per Public Law 97-79, Section 9(b)(2), as of November 16, 1981. 95 Stat. 1079.
Section 45 has been repealed per Public Law 101-647, title XII, Section 1206(a), as of November 29, 1990. 104 Stat. 4832.
Section 46 has been repealed per Public Law 116–260, div. O, title X, § 1002(1), as of December 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2155.
Section 47 prohibits the use of an aircraft or motor vehicle to hunt any "wild unbrandedhorse, mare, colt, or burro running at large on any of the public land or ranges" and prohibits the pollution of any watering hole on any of the public land or ranges for the purpose of hunting any of the named animals, and provides for a penalty of a fine under this title, or imprisonment up to six months, or both, for each offense.
Section 48 , lasted amended in 2019, prohibits animal crushing, the creation of animal crush videos, and the distribution of animal crush videos. It has extraterritorial reach and comes with a penalty of a fine, up to 7 years in prison, or both.
Section 49 provides for penalties regarding animal fighting ventures and increased penalties for allowing minors to see animal fighting ventures.
This chapter deals with arson. It has only one section, which was last amended in 2001.
Section 81, which defines "arson", "attempted arson", or "conspiracy to commit arson", and provides a penalty of imprisonment for up to 25 years, the greater of the fine under this title or the cost of repairing or replacing any property that is damaged or destroyed, or both. It also provides that if the building is a dwelling or if the life of any person is placed in jeopardy, the penalty shall be a fine under this title, imprisonment for "any term of years or for life", or both.
Section 111 prohibits "assaulting, resisting, or impeding" officers, employees and Law Enforcement Explorers of the United States while engaged in or on account of the performance of official duties, and the assault or intimidation of "any person who formerly served" as an officers or employees of the United States "on account of the performance of official duties during such person's term of service". The section provides for a penalty for simple assault of a fine, imprisonment for up to one year, or both, and a penalty in all other cases of a fine, imprisonment for up to eight years, or both. An enhanced penalty of a fine or imprisonment for up to 20 years is provided for if a "deadly or dangerous weapon" is used or if bodily injury is inflicted.
Section 112 is "protection of foreign officials, official guests, and internationally protected persons". It prohibits assaulting or causing harm to a "foreign official, official guest, or internationally protected person" or "any other violent attack upon the person or liberty of such person", and provides a penalty of a fine, imprisonment of up to three years, or both, and an enhanced penalty of a fine or imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both, if a deadly or dangerous weapon" is used or if bodily injury is inflicted.
Section 112 also prohibits "[i]ntimidating, coercing, threatening, or harassing a foreign official or an official guest, or obstructing a foreign official in the performance of his duties", or an attempt to do so, and additionally prohibits two or more people congregating within 100 feet of any building being used "for diplomatic, consular, or residential purposes" by foreign officials or international organization, "with intent to violate any other provision of this section", and provides for a fine, imprisonment up to six months, or both. The section also provides that "Nothing contained in this section shall be construed or applied so as to abridge the exercise of rights" guaranteed under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Section 113 provides punishments for assault within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States: for assault with intent to commit murder, imprisonment for not more than 20 years; for assault with intent to commit any felony except murder or a felony under chapter 109A, by a fine under this title or imprisonment for not more than ten years, or both; for assault with a dangerous weapon, with intent to do bodily harm, and without just cause or excuse, by a fine under this title or imprisonment for not more than ten years, or both; for assault by striking, beating, or wounding, by a fine under this title or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both; simple assault, by a fine under this title or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both, or if the victim of the assault is an individual who has not attained the age of 16 years, by fine under this title or imprisonment for not more than 1 year, or both; assault resulting in serious bodily injury, by a fine under this title or imprisonment for not more than ten years, or both; assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to an individual who has not attained the age of 16 years, by fine under this title or imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or both.
Section 113 also defines "substantial bodily injury" as bodily injury which involves a temporary but substantial disfigurement, or a temporary but substantial loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member, organ, or mental faculty, and defines "serious bodily injury" as the meaning given that term in section 1365 of this title.
Section 114, makes it a crime within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States to, with intent to torture (as defined in section 2340), and provides that whoever shall "maim, disfigure, cuts, bites, or slits the nose, ear, or lip, or cuts out or disables the tongue, or puts out or destroys an eye, or cuts off or disables a limb or any member of another person; or whoever, within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, and with like intent, throws or pours upon another person, any scalding water, corrosiveacid, or caustic substance shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both."
Section 115: Influencing, impeding, or retaliating against a federal official by threatening or injuring a family member
Section 117: Domestic assault by an habitual offender
Assault on a federal process server is treated under Chapter 73 of Title 18, Section 1501.[5]
Section 118: Section 118, added in 2007, prohibits the knowing and willful obstruction, resistance to, or interference with a Federal law enforcement agent engaged, within the United States or the special maritime territorial jurisdiction of the United States, in the performance of the protective functions authorized under section 37 of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 (22 U.S.C. 2709) or section 103 of the Diplomatic Security Act (22 U.S.C. 4802), and for a penalty of a fine under the title or a period of imprisonment not exceeding 1 year, or both.
Section 119: Section 119, added in 2008, prohibits knowingly making restricted personal information about a covered person, or a member of the immediate family of that covered person, publicly available with the intent to threaten, intimidate, or incite the commission of a crime of violence against that covered person, or a member of the immediate family of that covered person or with the intent and knowledge that the restricted personal information will be used to threaten, intimidate, or facilitate the commission of a crime of violence against that covered person, or a member of the immediate family of that covered person, for a fine under the title or five years of imprisonment, and for definitions of a restricted person.
This chapter deals with bankruptcy offenses committed by debtors.
Section 151: Section 151 provides a definition for "debtor."
Section 152: Section 152 sets forth nine offenses involving concealment of assets, false oaths and claims, and bribery, and provides for penalties.
Section 153: Section 153 provides that a person who has access to property or documents by being a trustee, custodian, marshal, attorney, or other officer of the court or as an agent, employee, or other person engaged by the office to perform an estate-related service who knowingly and fraudulently appropriates to the person's own use, embezzles, spends, or transfers any property or secretes or destroys any document belonging to the estate of a debtor, is subject to penalty.
Section 154: Section 154 provides that a custodian, trustee, marshal, or other officer of the court who knowingly purchases in part or whole any property of an estate where they are involved in a bankruptcy case involving such estate, or refuses to permit a reasonable opportunity for the inspection by the parties in interest and their affairs if the court directs them to do so, or inspection by the United States Trustee of the documents in question, is subject to a fine and shall forfeit their office.
Section 155: Section 155 provides that a party in interest of any bankruptcy case who knowingly and fraudulently enters into any express or implied agreement with any other party in order to fix their fees or rate of compensation, or to perform any service relating to the assets of the estate, is subject to a fine and a penalty.
Section 156: Section 156 defines "bankruptcy petition preparer" and "document for filing" and provides that a preparer whose case is dismissed because of knowing violation of title 11 or the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure is liable to fine or imprisonment.
Section 157: Section 157 makes it an offense for any person to devise or intend to devise a scheme or artifice to defraud, and with intent to execute or conceal such scheme or artifice, file a bankruptcy petition or fraudulent involuntary petition under title 11, any document under title 11, or at any time before such petition is filed, make a false or fraudulent representation, claim, or promise concerning or relating to a proceeding under title 11. It further provides for penalties.
Section 158: Section 158, titled "Designation of United States attorneys and agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to address abusive reaffirmations of debt and materially fraudulent statements in bankruptcy schedules" and added in 2005, concerns the designation of US Attorneys and FBI agents to address fraudulent bankruptcy statements. It provides that the Attorney General shall designate the US Attorneys and FBI Agents to enforce violations of section 152 or 157 and provides that the US Attorneys so designated also have responsibility for carrying out their duties under section 3057. Lastly, it mandates that the courts refer any case involving or containing, or suspected to involve or contain, a materially fraudulent statement in a bankruptcy schedule to the US Attorney or FBI agents.
Section 175: Section 175 provides that there is extraterritorial Federal jurisdiction for a violation of the section and that it is an offense to knowingly develop, produce, stockpile, transfer, acquire, retain, or possess any biological agent, toxin, or delivery system for use as a weapon, assists a foreign state or any organization to do so, or attempt, threaten, or conspire others to do the same, and that it is an offense to possesses any biological agent, toxin, or delivery system of a type or in a quantity that, under the circumstances, is not reasonably justified by a prophylactic, protective, bona fide research, or other peaceful purpose. It lastly sets forth a supplemental definition for "for use as a weapon."
Section 175a: Section 175a provides that the Attorney General or a sufficient subordinate may request assistance from the Secretary of Defense for an emergency situation involving a biological weapon of mass destruction.
Section 175b: Section 175b provides that a restricted person cannot ship, transport, or possess in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce any biological agent or toxin or receive any biological agent or toxin that has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce, and sets forth penalties and official exemptions. It further penalizes the act of transferring a biological agent or toxin to a person not legally registered to possess it and penalizes the unregistered possession of such agents. Lastly, it sets forth definitions.
Section 175c: Section 175c provides that it is unlawful, without the permission or authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to knowingly produce, engineer, synthesize, acquire, transfer directly or indirectly, receive, possess, import, export, or use, or possess and threaten to use variola virus and what situations would lead to the acts committed falling under Federal jurisdiction. It additionally provides that whoever violates or attempts or conspires to violate the section is subject to a fine of not more than $2,000,000 and a period of imprisonment not less than 25 years, or life, and that whoever, while violating the section, uses, attempts or conspires to use, or possesses and threatens to use variola virus is subject to an equivalent fine but a period of imprisonment of not less than 30 years, or for life, but that if any person dies as a result of the act, the penalty shall be $2,000,000 and imprisonment for life. Lastly, it sets forth the definition of "variola virus."
Section 176: Section 176 relates to forfeiture of biological weapons that are prohibited under section 185 or of a type or in a quantity that under the circumstances has no apparent justification for prophylactic, protective, or other peaceful purposes, and provides that in emergency situations such seizure and destruction may be made on probable cause alone, without a warrant. Otherwise, any property seized will be forfeited after a hearing, on which the Government must prove by preponderance of the evidence, and the Attorney-General has the power to destroy or dispose of any items forfeited. There is an affirmative defense against forfeiture for any biological agent of a type or quantity if it can be shown that the biological agent is for a prophylactic, protective, or other peaceful purpose and the biological agent is of a type and quantity reasonable for that purpose.
Section 177: Section 177 provides that the United States can obtain an injunction against any conduct forbidden under section 175, or any conspiracy to engage in forbidden conduct, orthe development, production, stockpiling, transferring, acquisition, retention, or possession, or the attempted development, production, stockpiling, transferring, acquisition, retention, or possession of any biological agent, toxin, or delivery system of a type or in a quantity that under the circumstances has no apparent justification for prophylactic, protective, or other peaceful purposes. It is an affirmative defense to an injunction under the development, production, or attempt to develop or produce a biological agent or type with no apparent justification if the conduct sought to be enjoined is for a prophylactic, protective, or other peaceful purpose and such biological agent, toxin, or delivery system is of a type and quantity reasonable for that purpose.
Section 178: Section 178 defines "biological agent", "toxin", "delivery system", "vector", and "national of the United States".
This chapter, added in 1994 by 102 Stat.521 deals with child support. It has only one section.
Section 228, likewise added in 1994, provides offenses relating to failure to pay or attempts to evade child support, rebuttable presumptions, penalties (increased for recidivists), mandatory restitution, venue of trial, and supplementary definitions.
This chapter, added in 1971 by 84 Stat.1891, deals with Congressional, Cabinet, and Supreme Court assassination, kidnapping, and assault. It has only one section.
§ 351. Congressional, Cabinet, and Supreme Court assassination, kidnapping, and assault; penalties
§ 541. Entry of goods falsely classified
§ 542. Entry of goods by means of false statements
§ 543. Entry of goods for less than legal duty
§ 544. Relanding of goods
§ 545. Smuggling goods into the United States
§ 546. Smuggling goods into foreign countries
§ 547. Depositing goods in buildings on boundaries
§ 548. Removing or repacking goods in warehouses
§ 549. Removing goods from customs custody; breaking seals
§ 550. False claim for refund of duties
§ 551. Concealing or destroying invoices or other papers
§ 552. Officers aiding importation of obscene or treasonous books and articles
§ 553. Importation or exportation of stolen motor vehicles, off-highway mobile equipment, vessels, or aircraft
§ 554. Smuggling goods from the United States
§ 555. Border tunnels and passages
§611. Voting by aliens
(a) It shall be unlawful for any alien to vote in any election held solely or in part for the purpose of electing a candidate for the office of President, Vice President, Presidential elector, Member of the Senate, Member of the House of Representatives, Delegate from the District of Columbia, or Resident Commissioner, unless—
(1) the election is held partly for some other purpose;
(2) aliens are authorized to vote for such other purpose under a State constitution or statute or a local ordinance; and
(3) voting for such other purpose is conducted independently of voting for a candidate for such Federal offices, in such a manner that an alien has the opportunity to vote for such other purpose, but not an opportunity to vote for a candidate for any one or more of such Federal offices.
(b) Any person who violates this section shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
(c) Subsection (a) does not apply to an alien if—
(1) each natural parent of the alien (or, in the case of an adopted alien, each adoptive parent of the alien) is or was a citizen (whether by birth or naturalization);
(2) the alien permanently resided in the United States prior to attaining the age of 16; and
(3) the alien reasonably believed at the time of voting in violation of such subsection that he or she was a citizen of the United States.
(Added Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title II, §216(a), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–572; amended Pub. L. 106–395, title II, §201(d)(1), Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1635.)
§ 705. Badge or medal of veterans' organizations
§ 706. Red Cross
§ 706a. Geneva distinctive emblems
[§ 707. Repealed. Pub. L. 116–260, div. O, title X, § 1002(3), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2155]
[§ 708. Repealed. Pub. L. 116–260, div. O, title X, § 1002(4), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2155]
§ 709. False advertising or misuse of names to indicate Federal agency
§ 710. Cremation urns for military use
[§ 711. Repealed. Pub. L. 116–260, div. O, title X, § 1002(5), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2155]
[§ 711a. Repealed. Pub. L. 116–260, div. O, title X, § 1002(6), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2155]
§ 712. Misuse of names, words, emblems, or insignia
§ 713. Use of likenesses of the great seal of the United States, the seals of the President and Vice President, the seal of the United States Senate, the seal of the United States House of Representatives, and the seal of the United States Congress
[§ 714. Repealed. Pub. L. 97–258, § 2(d)(1)(B), Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1058]
[§ 715. Repealed. Pub. L. 116–260, div. O, title X, § 1002(7), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2155]
§ 716. Public employee insignia and uniform
§ 751. Prisoners in custody of institution or officer
§ 752. Instigating or assisting escape
§ 753. Rescue to prevent execution
[§ 754. Repealed. Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, § 330004(5), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2141]
§ 755. Officer permitting escape
§ 756. Internee of belligerent nation
§ 757. Prisoners of war or enemy aliens
§ 758. High speed flight from immigration checkpoint
§ 831. Prohibited transactions involving nuclear materials
§ 832. Participation in nuclear and weapons of mass destruction threats to the United States
[§§ 833 to 835. Repealed. Pub. L. 96–129, title II, § 216(b), Nov. 30, 1979, 93 Stat. 1015]
§ 836. Transportation of fireworks into State prohibiting sale or use
[§ 837. Repealed. Pub. L. 91–452, title XI, § 1106(b)(1), Oct. 15, 1970, 84 Stat. 960]
Chapter 40: Importation, manufacture, distribution, and storage of explosive materials
This chapter, added in 1970 by 84 Stat.952 deals with importing, manufacturing, distributing, and storage of explosive materials.
§ 841. Definitions
§ 842. Unlawful acts
§ 843. Licenses and user permits
§ 844. Penalties
§ 845. Exceptions; relief from disabilities
§ 846. Additional powers of the Attorney General
§ 847. Rules and regulations
§ 848. Effect on State law
§ 871. Threats against President and successors to the Presidency
§ 872. Extortion by officers or employees of the United States
§ 873. Blackmail
§ 874. Kickbacks from public works employees
§ 875. Interstate communications
§ 876. Mailing threatening communications
§ 877. Mailing threatening communications from foreign country
§ 878. Threats and extortion against foreign officials, official guests, or internationally protected persons
§ 879. Threats against former Presidents and certain other persons
§ 880. Receiving the proceeds of extortion
This chapter, added in 1968 by 82 Stat.159, deals with extortionate credit transactions.
§ 891. Definitions and rules of construction
§ 892. Making extortionate extensions of credit
§ 893. Financing extortionate extensions of credit
§ 894. Collection of extensions of credit by extortionate means
[§ 895. Repealed. Pub. L. 91–452, title II, § 223(a), Oct. 15, 1970, 84 Stat. 929]
§ 896. Effect on State laws
§ 911. Citizen of the United States
§ 912. Officer or employee of the United States
§ 913. Impersonator making arrest or search
§ 914. Creditors of the United States
§ 915. Foreign diplomats, consuls or officers
§ 916. 4–H Club members or agents
§ 917. Red Cross members or agents
This chapter, added in 1968 by 82 Stat.226, deals with firearms.
Section 921 defines various terms as used in §§ 921–931, which are also found in the definition of aggravated felony.
Section 922 prohibiting certain behavior involving firearms (e.g. 18 U.S. Code § 922(g), declaring it unlawful for a prohibited person to ship, transport, or possess a firearm)
This chapter, added in 1986 by 100 Stat.3207-35, concerns the civil and criminal seizure of property and assets used in crimes.
§ 981. Civil forfeiture
§ 982. Criminal forfeiture
§ 983. General rules for civil forfeiture proceedings
§ 984. Civil forfeiture of fungible property
§ 985. Civil forfeiture of real property
§ 986. Subpoenas for bank records
§ 987. Anti-terrorist forfeiture protection
§ 1071. Concealing person from arrest
§ 1072. Concealing escaped prisoner
§ 1073. Flight to avoid prosecution or giving testimony
§ 1074. Flight to avoid prosecution for damaging or destroying any building or other real or personal property
§ 1111. Murder
§ 1112. Manslaughter
§ 1113. Attempt to commit murder or manslaughter
§ 1114. Protection of officers and employees of the United States
§ 1115. Misconduct or neglect of ship officers
§ 1116. Murder or manslaughter of foreign officials, official guests, or internationally protected persons
§ 1117. Conspiracy to murder
§ 1118. Murder by a Federal prisoner
§ 1119. Foreign murder of United States nationals
§ 1120. Murder by escaped prisoners
§ 1121. Killing persons aiding Federal investigations or State correctional officers
§ 1122. Protection against the human immunodeficiency virus
§ 1151. Indian country defined
§ 1152. Laws governing
§ 1153. Offenses committed within Indian country
§ 1154. Intoxicants dispensed in Indian country
§ 1155. Intoxicants dispensed on school site
§ 1156. Intoxicants possessed unlawfully
[§ 1157. Repealed. Pub. L. 85–86, July 10, 1957, 71 Stat. 277]
§ 1158. Counterfeiting Indian Arts and Crafts Board trade mark
§ 1159. Misrepresentation of Indian produced goods and products
§ 1160. Property damaged in committing offense
§ 1161. Application of Indian liquor laws
§ 1162. State jurisdiction over offenses committed by or against Indians in the Indian country
§ 1163. Embezzlement and theft from Indian tribal organizations
§ 1164. Destroying boundary and warning signs
§ 1165. Hunting, trapping, or fishing on Indian land
§ 1166. Gambling in Indian country
§ 1167. Theft from gaming establishments on Indian lands
§ 1168. Theft by officers or employees of gaming establishments on Indian lands
§ 1169. Reporting of child abuse
§ 1170. Illegal trafficking in Native American human remains and cultural items
§ 1261. Enforcement, regulations, and scope
§ 1262. Transportation into State prohibiting sale
§ 1263. Marks and labels on packages
§ 1264. Delivery to consignee
§ 1265. C.O.D. shipments prohibited
§ 1301. Importing or transporting lottery tickets
§ 1302. Mailing lottery tickets or related matter
§ 1303. Postmaster or employee as lottery agent.
Section catchline was not amended to conform to change made in the text by Pub. L. 91–375.
§ 1304. Broadcasting lottery information
§ 1305. Fishing contests
§ 1306. Participation by financial institutions
§ 1307. Exceptions relating to certain advertisements and other information and to State-conducted lotteries
§ 1308. Limitation of applicability
Section 1345 provides for injunctions against fraud.
Section 1346 is a single sentence: "For the purposes of this chapter, the term 'scheme or artifice to defraud' includes a scheme or artifice to deprive another of the intangible right of honest services."
Section 1349 is a single sentence: "Any person who attempts or conspires to commit any offense under this chapter shall be subject to the same penalties as those prescribed for the offense, the commission of which was the object of the attempt or conspiracy."
Section 1350 was introduced by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and applies to failure of corporate officers to certify financial reports.
§ 1361. Government property or contracts
§ 1362. Communication lines, stations or systems
§ 1363. Buildings or property within special maritime and territorial jurisdiction
§ 1364. Interference with foreign commerce by violence
§ 1365. Tampering with consumer products
§ 1366. Destruction of an energy facility
§ 1367. Interference with the operation of a satellite
§ 1368. Harming animals used in law enforcement
§ 1369. Destruction of veterans' memorials
§ 1381. Enticing desertion and harboring deserters
§ 1382. Entering military, naval, or Coast Guard property
[§ 1383. Repealed. Pub. L. 94–412, title V, § 501(e), Sept. 14, 1976, 90 Stat. 1258]
§ 1384. Prostitution near military and naval establishments
§ 1385. Use of Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force as posse comitatus
§ 1386. Keys and keyways used in security applications by the Department of Defense
§ 1387. Demonstrations at cemeteries under the control of the National Cemetery Administration and at Arlington National Cemetery
§ 1388. Prohibition on disruptions of funerals of members or former members of the Armed Forces
§ 1389. Prohibition on attacks on United States servicemen on account of service
§ 1421. Accounts of court officers
§ 1422. Fees in naturalization proceedings
§ 1423. Misuse of evidence of citizenship or naturalization
§ 1424. Personation or misuse of papers in naturalization proceedings
§ 1425. Procurement of citizenship or naturalization unlawfully
§ 1426. Reproduction of naturalization or citizenship papers
§ 1427. Sale of naturalization or citizenship papers
§ 1428. Surrender of canceled naturalization certificate
§ 1429. Penalties for neglect or refusal to answer subpena
§ 1460. Possession with intent to sell, and sale, of obscene matter on Federal property
§ 1461. Mailing obscene or crime-inciting matter
§ 1462. Importation or transportation of obscene matters
§ 1463. Mailing indecent matter on wrappers or envelopes
§ 1464. Broadcasting obscene language
§ 1465. Production and transportation of obscene matters for sale or distribution
§ 1466. Engaging in the business of selling or transferring obscene matter
§ 1466A. Obscene visual representations of the sexual abuse of children
§ 1467. Criminal forfeiture
§ 1468. Distributing obscene material by cable or subscription television
§ 1469. Presumptions
§ 1470. Transfer of obscene material to minors
§ 1501. Assault on process server
§ 1502. Resistance to extradition agent
§ 1503. Influencing or injuring officer or juror generally
§ 1504. Influencing juror by writing
§ 1505. Obstruction of proceedings before departments, agencies, and committees
§ 1506. Theft or alteration of record or process; false bail
§ 1507. Picketing or parading
§ 1508. Recording, listening to, or observing proceedings of grand or petit juries while deliberating or voting
§ 1509. Obstruction of court orders
§ 1510. Obstruction of criminal investigations
§ 1511. Obstruction of State or local law enforcement
§ 1512. Tampering with a witness, victim, or an informant
§ 1513. Retaliating against a witness, victim, or an informant
§ 1514. Civil action to restrain harassment of a victim or witness
§ 1514A. Civil action to protect against retaliation in fraud cases
§ 1515. Definitions for certain provisions; general provision
§ 1516. Obstruction of Federal audit
§ 1517. Obstructing examination of financial institution
§ 1518. Obstruction of criminal investigations of health care offenses
§ 1519. Destruction, alteration, or falsification of records in Federal investigations and bankruptcy
§ 1520. Destruction of corporate audit records
§ 1521. Retaliating against a Federal judge or Federal law enforcement officer by false claim or slander of title
§ 1541. Issuance without authority
§ 1542. False statement in application and use of passport
§ 1543. Forgery or false use of passport
§ 1544. Misuse of passport
§ 1545. Safe conduct violation
§ 1546. Fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents
§ 1547. Alternative imprisonment maximum for certain offenses
§ 1581. Peonage; obstructing enforcement
§ 1582. Vessels for slave trade
§ 1583. Enticement into slavery
§ 1584. Sale into involuntary servitude
§ 1585. Seizure, detention, transportation or sale of slaves
§ 1586. Service on vessels in slave trade
§ 1587. Possession of slaves aboard vessel
§ 1588. Transportation of slaves from United States
§ 1589. Forced labor
§ 1590. Trafficking with respect to peonage, slavery, involuntary servitude, or forced labor
§ 1591. Sex trafficking of children or by force, fraud, or coercion
§ 1592. Unlawful conduct with respect to documents in furtherance of trafficking, peonage, slavery, involuntary servitude, or forced labor
§ 1593. Mandatory restitution
§ 1593A. Benefitting financially from peonage, slavery, and trafficking in persons
§ 1594. General provisions
§ 1595. Civil remedy
§ 1595A. Civil injunctions
§ 1596. Additional jurisdiction in certain trafficking offenses
§ 1597. Unlawful conduct with respect to immigration documents
§ 1651. Piracy under law of nations
§ 1652. Citizens as pirates
§ 1653. Aliens as pirates
§ 1654. Arming or serving on privateers
§ 1655. Assault on commander as piracy
§ 1656. Conversion or surrender of vessel
§ 1657. Corruption of seamen and confederating with pirates
§ 1658. Plunder of distressed vessel
§ 1659. Attack to plunder vessel
§ 1660. Receipt of pirate property
§ 1661. Robbery ashore
This chapter, added in 1965 by 79 Stat.580, deals with presidential and presidential staff assassination, kidnapping, and assault and presence in a restricted zone designated. It has two sections.
§ 1751. Presidential and Presidential staff assassination, kidnapping, and assault; penalties
§ 1831. Economic espionage
§ 1832. Theft of trade secrets
§ 1833. Exceptions to prohibitions
§ 1834. Criminal forfeiture
§ 1835. Orders to preserve confidentiality
§ 1836. Civil proceedings
§ 1837. Applicability to conduct outside the United States
§ 1838. Construction with other laws
§ 1839. Definitions
§ 1951. Interference with commerce by threats or violence
§ 1952. Interstate and foreign travel or transportation in aid of racketeering enterprises
[§ 1952A. Renumbered § 1958]
[§ 1952B. Renumbered § 1959]
§ 1953. Interstate transportation of wagering paraphernalia
§ 1954. Offer, acceptance, or solicitation to influence operations of employee benefit plan
§ 1955. Prohibition of illegal gambling businesses
§ 1956. Laundering of monetary instruments
§ 1957. Engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity
§ 1958. Use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire
§ 1959. Violent crimes in aid of racketeering activity
§ 1960. Prohibition of unlicensed money transmitting businesses
§ 1991. Entering train to commit crime
§ 1992. Terrorist attacks and other violence against railroad carriers and against mass transportation systems on land, on water, or through the air
[§ 1993. Repealed. Pub. L. 109–177, title I, § 110(a), Mar. 9, 2006, 120 Stat. 205]
This chapter, included in the original Title 18, prescribed penalties for committing of rape within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States and for committing "carnal knowledge" with a minor under sixteen in the same jurisdiction.[9]
§ 2071. Concealment, removal, or mutilation generally
§ 2072. False crop reports
§ 2073. False entries and reports of moneys or securities
§ 2074. False weather reports
§ 2075. Officer failing to make returns or reports
§ 2076. Clerk of United States District Court
§ 2111. Special maritime and territorial jurisdiction
§ 2112. Personal property of United States
§ 2113. Bank robbery and incidental crimes
§ 2114. Mail, money, or other property of United States
§ 2115. Post office
§ 2116. Railway or steamboat post office
§ 2117. Breaking or entering carrier facilities
§ 2118. Robberies and burglaries involving controlled substances
§ 2119. Motor vehicles
§ 2151. Definitions
§ 2152. Fortifications, harbor defenses, or defensive sea areas
§ 2153. Destruction of war material, war premises, or war utilities
§ 2154. Production of defective war material, war premises, or war utilities
§ 2155. Destruction of national-defense materials, national-defense premises, or national-defense utilities
§ 2156. Production of defective national-defense material, national-defense premises, or national-defense utilities
[§ 2157. Repealed. Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, § 330004(13), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2142]
§ 2191. Cruelty to seamen
§ 2192. Incitation of seamen to revolt or mutiny
§ 2193. Revolt or mutiny of seamen
§ 2194. Shanghaiing sailors
§ 2195. Abandonment of sailors
§ 2196. Drunkenness or neglect of duty by seamen
§ 2197. Misuse of Federal certificate, license or document
[§ 2198. Repealed. Pub. L. 101–647, title XII, § 1207(b), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 4832]
§ 2199. Stowaways on vessels or aircraft
§ 2231. Assault or resistance
§ 2232. Destruction or removal of property to prevent seizure
§ 2233. Rescue of seized property
§ 2234. Authority exceeded in executing warrant
§ 2235. Search warrant procured maliciously
§ 2236. Searches without warrant
§ 2237. Criminal sanctions for failure to heave to, obstruction of boarding, or providing false information
§ 2241. Aggravated sexual abuse
§ 2242. Sexual abuse
§ 2243. Sexual abuse of a minor, a ward, or an individual in Federal custody
§ 2244. Abusive sexual contact
§ 2245. Offenses resulting in death
§ 2246. Definitions for chapter
§ 2247. Repeat offenders
§ 2248. Mandatory restitution
Chapter 109b: Sex offender and crimes against children registry
§ 2251. Sexual exploitation of children
§ 2251A. Selling or buying of children
§ 2252. Certain activities relating to material involving the sexual exploitation of minors
§ 2252A. Certain activities relating to material constituting or containing child pornography
§ 2252B. Misleading domain names on the Internet
§ 2252C. Misleading words or digital images on the Internet
§ 2253. Criminal forfeiture
§ 2254. Civil forfeiture
§ 2255. Civil remedy for personal injuries
§ 2256. Definitions for chapter
§ 2257. Record keeping requirements
§ 2257A. Record keeping requirements for simulated sexual conduct
§ 2258. Failure to report child abuse
§ 2258A. Reporting requirements of providers
§ 2258B. Limited liability for providers or domain name registrars
§ 2258C. Use to combat child pornography of technical elements relating to reports made to the CyberTipline
§ 2258D. Limited liability for NCMEC
§ 2258E. Definitions
§ 2259. Mandatory restitution
§ 2259A. Assessments in child pornography cases
§ 2259B. Child pornography victims reserve
§ 2260. Production of sexually explicit depictions of a minor for importation into the United States
§ 2260A. Penalties for registered sex offenders
§ 2261. Interstate domestic violence
§ 2261A. Stalking
§ 2261B. Enhanced penalty for stalkers of children
§ 2262. Interstate violation of protection order
§ 2263. Pretrial release of defendant
§ 2264. Restitution
§ 2265. Full faith and credit given to protection orders
§ 2265A. Repeat offenders
§ 2266. Definitions
§ 2290. Jurisdiction and scope
§ 2291. Destruction of vessel or maritime facility
§ 2292. Imparting or conveying false information
§ 2293. Bar to prosecution
§ 2331. Definitions
§ 2332. Criminal penalties
§ 2332a. Use of weapons of mass destruction
§ 2332b. Acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries
[§ 2332c. Repealed. Pub. L. 105–277, div. I, title II, § 201(c)(1), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–871]
§ 2332d. Financial transactions
§ 2332e. Requests for military assistance to enforce prohibition in certain emergencies
§ 2332f. Bombings of places of public use, government facilities, public transportation systems and infrastructure facilities
§ 2332g. Missile systems designed to destroy aircraft
§ 2332h. Radiological dispersal devices
§ 2332i. Acts of nuclear terrorism
§ 2333. Civil remedies
§ 2334. Jurisdiction and venue
§ 2335. Limitation of actions
§ 2336. Other limitations
§ 2337. Suits against Government officials
§ 2338. Exclusive Federal jurisdiction
§ 2339. Harboring or concealing terrorists
§ 2339A. Providing material support to terrorists
§ 2339B. Providing material support or resources to designated foreign terrorist organizations
§ 2339C. Prohibitions against the financing of terrorism
§ 2339D. Receiving military-type training from a foreign terrorist organization
§ 2341. Definitions
§ 2342. Unlawful acts
§ 2343. Recordkeeping, reporting, and inspection
§ 2344. Penalties
§ 2345. Effect on State and local law
§ 2346. Enforcement and regulations
§ 2381. Treason
§ 2382. Misprision of treason
§ 2383. Rebellion or insurrection
§ 2384. Seditious conspiracy
§ 2385. Advocating overthrow of Government
§ 2386. Registration of certain organizations
§ 2387. Activities affecting armed forces generally
§ 2388. Activities affecting armed forces during war
§ 2389. Recruiting for service against United States
§ 2390. Enlistment to serve against United States
[§ 2391. Repealed. Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, § 330004(13), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2142]
Chapter 117: Transportation for illegal sexual activity and related crimes
§ 2421. Transportation generally
§ 2421A. Promotion or facilitation of prostitution and reckless disregard of sex trafficking
§ 2422. Coercion and enticement
§ 2423. Transportation of minors
§ 2424. Filing factual statement about alien individual
§ 2425. Use of interstate facilities to transmit information about a minor
§ 2426. Repeat offenders
§ 2427. Inclusion of offenses relating to child pornography in definition of sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense
§ 2428. Forfeitures
§ 2429. Mandatory restitution
§ 2510. Definitions
§ 2511. Interception and disclosure of wire, oral, or electronic communications prohibited
§ 2512. Manufacture, distribution, possession, and advertising of wire, oral, or electronic communication intercepting devices prohibited
§ 2513. Confiscation of wire, oral, or electronic communication intercepting devices
[§ 2514. Repealed. Pub. L. 91–452, title II, § 227(a), Oct. 15, 1970, 84 Stat. 930]
§ 2515. Prohibition of use as evidence of intercepted wire or oral communications
§ 2516. Authorization for interception of wire, oral, or electronic communications
§ 2517. Authorization for disclosure and use of intercepted wire, oral, or electronic communications
§ 2518. Procedure for interception of wire, oral, or electronic communications
§ 2519. Reports concerning intercepted wire, oral, or electronic communications
§ 2520. Recovery of civil damages authorized
§ 2521. Injunction against illegal interception
§ 2522. Enforcement of the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act
§ 2523. Executive agreements on access to data by foreign governments
Chapter 121: Stored wire and electronic communications and transactional records access
§ 2701. Unlawful access to stored communications
§ 2702. Voluntary disclosure of customer communications or records
§ 2703. Required disclosure of customer communications or records
§ 2704. Backup preservation
§ 2705. Delayed notice
§ 2706. Cost reimbursement
§ 2707. Civil action
§ 2708. Exclusivity of remedies
§ 2709. Counterintelligence access to telephone toll and transactional records
§ 2710. Wrongful disclosure of video tape rental or sale records
§ 2711. Definitions for chapter
§ 2712. Civil actions against the United States
§ 2713. Required preservation and disclosure of communications and records
Chapter 123: Prohibition on release and use of certain personal information from state motor vehicle records
§ 2721. Prohibition on release and use of certain personal information from State motor vehicle records
§ 2722. Additional unlawful acts
§ 2723. Penalties
§ 2724. Civil action
§ 2725. Definitions
As per Part I, the odd-numbered chapters (201 to 237) were enacted with the original Title 18, and the even-numbered or additional sections were added at a later date.
§ 3001. Procedure governed by rules; scope, purpose and effect; definition of terms; local rules; forms—(Rule): Refer to Rule 56 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.
§ 3002. Courts always open—(Rule): Refer to Rule 56 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.
§ 3003. Calendars—(Rule): Refer to Rule 50 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.
§ 3004. Decorum in court room—(Rule) Refer to Rule 53 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.
§ 3005. Counsel and witnesses in capital cases: Last amended in 1994. Provides that whoever is indicted for treason or a capital crime may be defended by a lawyer, and the court before which the defendant is to be tried, or a judge thereof, shall promptly, upon the defendant's request, assign 2 such counsel, of whom at least 1 shall be learned in the law applicable to capital cases, and who shall have free access to the accused at all reasonable hours. The court must consider the recommendation of the Federal Public Defender organization, or, if no such organization exists in the district, of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts. Additionally, the defendant shall be allowed, in his defense, to make any proof that he can produce by lawful witnesses, and shall have the like process of the court to compel his witnesses to appear at his trial, as is usually granted to compel witnesses to appear on behalf of the prosecution.
§ 3006. Assignment of counsel—(Rule): Refer to Rules 5 and 44 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.
§ 3006A. Adequate representation of defendants: (TBD)
§ 3007. Motions—(Rule): Refer to Rule 12 and Rule 47 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.
§ 3008. Service and filing of papers—(Rule) Refer to Rule 49 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.
§ 3009. Records—(Rule) Refer to Rule 55 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.
§ 3010. Exceptions unnecessary—(Rule): Refer to Rule 51 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.
§ 3011. Computation of time—(Rule) Refer to Rule 45 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.
§ 3012. Repealed. Pub. L. 98–473, title II, § 218(a)(2), Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 2027. (TBD)
[§ 3043. Repealed. Pub. L. 98–473, title II, § 204(c), Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 1986]
§ 3044. Complaint—(Rule)
§ 3045. Internal revenue violations
§ 3046. Warrant or summons—(Rule)
§ 3047. Multiple warrants unnecessary
§ 3048. Commitment to another district; removal—(Rule)
§ 3049. Warrant for removal
§ 3050. Bureau of Prisons employees' powers
§ 3051. Powers of Special Agents 11 So in original. The words “Special Agents” probably should not be capitalized. of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives
§ 3261. Criminal offenses committed by certain members of the Armed Forces and by persons employed by or accompanying the Armed Forces outside the United States
§ 3262. Arrest and commitment
§ 3263. Delivery to authorities of foreign countries
§ 3264. Limitation on removal
§ 3265. Initial proceedings
§ 3266. Regulations
§ 3267. Definitions
Chapter 212a: Extraterritorial Jurisdiction over Certain Trafficking In Persons Offenses
§ 3281. Capital offenses: Last modified in 1994, consists of a single sentence: "An indictment for any offense punishable by death may be found at any time without limitation."
§ 3282. Offenses not capital:
§ 3283. Offenses against children: Last modified in 2006, consists of a single sentence. "No statute of limitations that would otherwise preclude prosecution for an offense involving the sexual or physical abuse, or kidnapping, of a child under the age of 18 years shall preclude such prosecution during the life of the child, or for ten years after the offense, whichever is longer." The exact wording of the section misspells kidnapping as kidnaping.
§ 3284. Concealment of bankrupt's assets: Last modified in 1978, consists of a single sentence: "The concealment of assets of a debtor in a case under title 11 shall be deemed to be a continuing offense until the debtor shall have been finally discharged or a discharge denied, and the period of limitations shall not begin to run until such final discharge or denial of discharge."
§ 3285. Criminal contempt: Has never been modified since its enactment in 1948. Consists of a single sentence: "No proceeding for criminal contempt within section 402 of this title shall be instituted against any person, corporation or association unless begun within one year from the date of the act complained of; nor shall any such proceeding be a bar to any criminal prosecution for the same act."
§ 3286. Extension of statute of limitation for certain terrorism offenses
§ 3287. Wartime suspension of limitations
§ 3288. Indictments and information dismissed after period of limitations: Consists of two paragraphs, last modified in 1988.
§ 3289. Indictments and information dismissed before period of limitations: Consists of two paragraphs, last modified in 1994.
§ 3290. Fugitives from justice: Has not been modified since its enactment in 1948. Consists of a single sentence. "No statute of limitations shall extend to any person fleeing from justice."
§ 3291. Nationality, citizenship and passports: Added in 1951, last modified in 1994. Provides that "no person shall be prosecuted, tried, or punished for violation of any provision of sections 1423 to 1428, inclusive, of chapter 69 and sections 1541 to 1544, inclusive, of chapter 75 of title 18 of the United States Code, or for conspiracy to violate any of such sections, unless the indictment is found or the information is instituted within ten years after the commission of the offense."
§ 3292. Suspension of limitations to permit United States to obtain foreign evidence
§ 3293. Financial institution offenses: Added in 1989, last modified in 1994. Provides for a ten-year statute of limitations for a violation of, or a conspiracy to violate section 215, 656, 657, 1005, 1006, 1007, 1014, 1033, or 1344, section 1341 or 1343, if the offense affects a financial institution or section 1963, to the extent that the racketeering activity involves a violation of section 1344, unless the indictment is returned or the information is filed within 10 years after the commission of the offense.
§ 3294. Theft of major artwork. Added in 1994, consists of a single sentence: "No person shall be prosecuted, tried, or punished for a violation of or conspiracy to violate section 668 unless the indictment is returned or the information is filed within 20 years after the commission of the offense."
§ 3295. Arson offenses. Added in 1996, consists of a single sentence: "No person shall be prosecuted, tried, or punished for any non-capital offense under section 81 or subsection (f), (h), or (i) of section 844 unless the indictment is found or the information is instituted not later than 10 years after the date on which the offense was committed."
§ 3296. Counts dismissed pursuant to a plea agreement
§ 3297. Cases involving DNA evidence. Added in 2004, consists of a single sentence: "In a case in which DNA testing implicates an identified person in the commission of a felony, no statute of limitations that would otherwise preclude prosecution of the offense shall preclude such prosecution until a period of time following the implication of the person by DNA testing has elapsed that is equal to the otherwise applicable limitation period."
§ 3298. Trafficking-related offenses. Added in 2006, consists of a single sentence: "No person shall be prosecuted, tried, or punished for any non-capital offense or conspiracy to commit a non-capital offense under section 1581 (Peonage; Obstructing Enforcement), 1583 (Enticement into Slavery), 1584 (Sale into Involuntary Servitude), 1589 (Forced Labor), 1590 (Trafficking with Respect to Peonage, Slavery, Involuntary Servitude, or Forced Labor), or 1592 (Unlawful Conduct with Respect to Documents in furtherance of Trafficking, Peonage, Slavery, Involuntary Servitude, or Forced Labor) of this title or under section 274(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act unless the indictment is found or the information is instituted not later than 10 years after the commission of the offense."
§ 3299. Child abduction and sex offenses. Added in 2006, consists of a single sentence: "Notwithstanding any other law, an indictment may be found or an information instituted at any time without limitation for any offense under section 1201 involving a minor victim, and for any felony under chapter 109A, 110 (except for section [1] [sic] 2257 and 2257A), or 117, or section 1591."
§ 3300. Recruitment or use of child soldiers. Added in 2008, consists of a single sentence: "No person may be prosecuted, tried, or punished for a violation of section 2442 unless the indictment or the information is filed not later than 10 years after the commission of the offense."
As per Parts I and II, the odd-numbered sections (chapters 301 to 317) were enacted with the original Title 18, and the even-numbered or additional sections were added at a later date.
As per Parts I, II, and III, the odd-numbered sections (chapters 401 and 403) were enacted with the original Title 18, with the lone section 402 being added afterwards, and later repealed.
[§ 5002. Repealed. Pub. L. 104–134, title I, § 101[(a)] [title VI, § 614(a)(1)], Apr. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 1321, 1321–65; renumbered title I, Pub. L. 104–140, § 1(a), May 2, 1996, 110 Stat. 1327]
§ 6001. Definitions
§ 6002. Immunity generally
§ 6003. Court and grand jury proceedings
§ 6004. Certain administrative proceedings
§ 6005. Congressional proceedings
This statute covers a specific way to satisfy the Fifth Amendment (right to silence as a form of protection against self-incrimination) to the Constitution, but still force witnesses to testify. Basically, if a witness—whether in a federal court such as a United States District Court or in testimony before a Congressional subcommittee—refuses to answer questions and pleads the 5th, the presiding officer can use the provisions of Title 18 Chapter 601 to forcibly compel the witness to answer the questions. Since this would violate the 5th amendment rights of the witness, the statute requires that the presiding officer must mandatorily preserve those rights, by guaranteeing the witness immunity from prosecution for anything they might truthfully say under such compulsion. (The witness is being compelled to answer the questions truthfully—if they lie, they can be tried in court for perjury, but as long as they tell the truth, they are immune from being personally prosecuted for anything they might say—which is the reverse of the usual situation, where anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.)
Actually giving a particular witness guaranteed immunity as a means to compelling their testimony is somewhat involved; the details of how it is done vary depending on the particular branch of government hearing the testimony. If the witness is testifying before an agency (includes Army/Navy/AirForce/VA/DOD/HomeSec/StateDept, FCC/FTC, DOT/NTSB, DOE/NRC/COP/DeptOfTheInterior, SEC/CFTC/FedBoard/FDIC, NLRB/LaborDept/CommerceDept/AgDept, DOJ/Treasury, and many others), the presiding officer for the agency needs approval from the federal Attorney General before they can grant a witness immunity and compel testimony. In court cases, the federal district attorney (for the particular federal district court which has jurisdiction in the case) needs approval from either the federal attorney general directly or from a specific set of the federal attorney general's underlings. In the case of testimony before congress, the body hearing the testimony must vote on whether or not to give immunity as a means to compel testimony, before getting a federal district court to issue to compulsion order; for a subcommittee, two-thirds of the full membership must vote affirmative, whereas for testimony before an entire house of congress a simple majority of members present voting affirmative is acceptable. Although congress must notify the federal attorney general 10 days in advance of submitting their request for compulsion to the federal district court, the AG cannot veto the order (but they can at their option instruct the federal district court to delay issuing the compulsion order for a period up to 20 days total).