§ 1659. — Attack to plunder vessel.
[Laws in effect as of January 24, 2002]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
January 24, 2002 and December 19, 2002]
[CITE: 18USC1659]
TITLE 18--CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
PART I--CRIMES
CHAPTER 81--PIRACY AND PRIVATEERING
Sec. 1659. Attack to plunder vessel
Whoever, upon the high seas or other waters within the admiralty and
maritime jurisdiction of the United States, by surprise or open force,
maliciously attacks or sets upon any vessel belonging to another, with
an intent unlawfully to plunder the same, or to despoil any owner
thereof of any moneys, goods, or merchandise laden on board thereof,
shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years,
or both.
(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 775; Pub. L. 103-322, title XXXIII,
Sec. 330016(1)(K), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147.)
Historical and Revision Notes
Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., Sec. 489 (Mar. 4, 1909, ch.
321, Sec. 298, 35 Stat. 1147).
Mandatory punishment provisions were rephrased in the alternative.
Amendments
1994--Pub. L. 103-322 substituted ``fined under this title'' for
``fined not more than $5,000''.
