§ 1588. Transportation of slaves from United States

Whoever, being the master or owner or person having charge of any vessel, receives on board any other person with the knowledge or intent that such person is to be carried from any place within the United States to any other place to be held or sold as a slave, or carries away from any place within the United States any such person with the intent that he may be so held or sold as a slave, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both.

(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 773; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, § 330016(1)(K), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147; Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title II, § 218(a), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–573.)

Historical And Revision

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., § 428 (Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 321, § 253, 35 Stat. 1139).

Words “subject to the jurisdiction of” which appeared twice in this section were omitted and “within” substituted, in view of section 5 of this title defining “United States”.

Amendments

Amendments

1996—Pub. L. 104–208 substituted “10 years” for “five years”.

1994—Pub. L. 103–322 substituted “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $5,000”.

Effective Date Of Amendment

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 104–208 applicable with respect to offenses occurring on or after Sept. 30, 1996, see section 218(d) of Pub. L. 104–208, set out as a note under section 1581 of this title.