§599 — Title 18 Crimes and Criminal Procedure | U.S. Code

Summary

If someone running for office promises to give a person a public or private job, or says they will use their influence to get that person a job to win campaign support, they can be fined under this title, jailed for up to one year, or both. If the act was done on purpose, the jail term can be up to two years, and a fine under this title can also apply.

Title 18, §599

Crimes and Criminal Procedure — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

Whoever, being a candidate, directly or indirectly promises or pledges the appointment, or the use of his influence or support for the appointment of any person to any public or private position or employment, for the purpose of procuring support in his candidacy shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both; and if the violation was willful, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both.

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on section 249, 252, of title 2, U.S.C., 1940 ed., The Congress (Feb. 28, 1925, ch. 368, title III, §§ 310, 314, 43 Stat. 1073, 1074). This section consolidates the provisions of section 249 and 252 of title 2, U.S.C., 1940 ed., The Congress, with changes in arrangement and phraseology necessary to effect consolidation. Words “or both” were added to conform to the almost universal formula of the punishment provisions of this title.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–322 substituted “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $1,000” after “candidacy shall be” and for “fined not more than $10,000” after “willful, shall be”.

§599 Promise of appointment by candidate