Federal · Title 18 — Crimes and Criminal Procedure

18 U.S.C. § 1596: Additional jurisdiction in certain trafficking offenses

Civil

What this law says, in plain English

This statute establishes jurisdictional rules for prosecuting trafficking offenses involving U.S. nationals, permanent residents, or persons in U.S. territory, and requires Attorney General approval before prosecution if a foreign government has already prosecuted the same conduct.

Read the full statutory text

an alleged offender is a national of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence (as those terms are defined in section 101 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1101 )); or an alleged offender is present in the United States, irrespective of the nationality of the alleged offender. No prosecution may be commenced against a person under this section if a foreign government, in accordance with jurisdiction recognized by the United States, has prosecuted or is prosecuting such person for the conduct constituting such offense, except upon the approval of the Attorney General or the Deputy Attorney General (or a person acting in either such capacity), which function of approval may not be delegated.

Verify at the official source: Federal legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.