§1596 Additional Jurisdiction in Certain Trafficking Offenses

Summary

Federal courts can hear and try crimes listed in 18 U.S.C. 1581, 1583, 1584, 1589, 1590, and 1591 — including attempts and conspiracies — even if the crime happened outside the United States. That extra reach applies if the accused is a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident, or if the accused is physically in the United States no matter their nationality. The United States cannot start a case under this rule if a foreign government that the U.S. accepts has already tried or is trying the same person for the same conduct, unless the Attorney General or the Deputy Attorney General personally approves. That approval cannot be passed to someone else.