Title 18, Crimes and Criminal ProcedureRelease 119-102
§960 Expedition Against Friendly Nation
Title 18 › PART I — CRIMES › CHAPTER 45 — FOREIGN RELATIONS › § 960
Summary
Knowingly starting, supplying, or joining a military or naval expedition from the U.S. against a foreign power at peace with the U.S. is illegal. Penalty: fine or up to three years' imprisonment.
Full Legal Text
Title 18, §960
Crimes and Criminal Procedure, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
Whoever, within the United States, knowingly begins or sets on foot or provides or prepares a means for or furnishes the money for, or takes part in, any military or naval expedition or enterprise to be carried on from thence against the territory or dominion of any foreign prince or state, or of any colony, district, or people with whom the United States is at peace, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Historical and Revision Notes
Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., § 25 (Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 321, § 13, 35 Stat. 1090; June 15, 1917, ch. 30, title V, § 8, 40 Stat. 223). Words “within the United States” were substituted for “within the jurisdiction” etc., in view of the definition of United States in section 5 of this title. Reference to territory or possessions of the United States was omitted as covered by definitive section 5 of this title.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1994—Pub. L. 103–322 substituted “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $3,000”.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
18 U.S.C. § 960
Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102