Title 28 — Judiciary and Judicial ProcedureRelease 119-73
§1918 District courts; fines, forfeitures and criminal proceedings
Title 28 › Part PART V— - PROCEDURE › Chapter CHAPTER 123— - FEES AND COSTS › § 1918
Summary
Courts must add court costs to any judgment against someone who broke a federal law when that law allows a civil fine or taking property. If a person is convicted in a district court of a crime that cannot get the death penalty, the court may order the defendant to pay the costs of the prosecution.
Full Legal Text
Title 28, §1918
Judiciary and Judicial Procedure — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)Costs shall be included in any judgment, order, or decree rendered against any person for the violation of an Act of Congress in which a civil fine or forfeiture of property is provided for.
(b)Whenever any conviction for any offense not capital is obtained in a district court, the court may order that the defendant pay the costs of prosecution.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Historical and Revision Notes
Based on title 28, U.S.C., 1940 ed., § 822 (R.S. § 974). Changes were made in phraseology.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
28 U.S.C. § 1918
Title 28 — Judiciary and Judicial Procedure
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73