PRIA, Government Policy, Made Personal

Summary

A U.S. citizen who is outside the United States and outfits, arms, or helps equip a private warship (privateer) planning to attack U.S. citizens or their property, or who takes command of or boards such a ship with that plan, or who buys a share to profit from it, commits a crime. The person can be fined, put in prison for up to ten years, or both.

Title 18, §1654

Crimes and Criminal Procedure, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

Whoever, being a citizen of the United States, without the limits thereof, fits out and arms, or attempts to fit out and arm or is concerned in furnishing, fitting out, or arming any private vessel of war or privateer, with intent that such vessel shall be employed to cruise or commit hostilities upon the citizens of the United States or their property; or Whoever takes the command of or enters on board of any such vessel with such intent; or Whoever purchases any interest in any such vessel with a view to share in the profits thereof— Shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., § 494 (Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 321, § 303, 35 Stat. 1147). Reference to persons procuring or aiding was omitted as unnecessary in view of definition of “principal” in section 2 of this title. Mandatory punishment provisions were rephrased in the alternative. The last sentence relating to venue was omitted as unnecessary in view of the general provision to the same effect in section 3238 of this title. Minor changes were made in phraseology and arrangement.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–322 substituted “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $10,000” in last par.

§1654 Arming or Serving on Privateers