Public Law 119-73 (01/23/2026)

18 U.S.C. § 958

Commission to serve against friendly nation

Any citizen of the United States who, within the jurisdiction thereof, accepts and exercises a commission to serve a foreign prince, state, colony, district, or people, in war, against any prince, state, 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.

June 25, 1948, ch. 64562 Stat. 745Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, § 330016(1)(I)108 Stat. 2147(, ; , , .)

Historical and Revision Notes

Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 321, § 935 Stat. 1089Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., § 21 (, ).

Mandatory punishment provision was rephrased in the alternative.

Minor changes in phraseology were made.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

Pub. L. 103–3221994— substituted “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $2,000”.