Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., § 338a (July 8, 1932, ch. 464, § 1, 47 Stat. 649; June 28, 1935, ch. 326, 49 Stat. 427; May 15, 1939, ch. 133, § 1, 53 Stat. 742).

Reference to persons causing or procuring was omitted as unnecessary in view of definition of “principal” in section 2 of this title.

Provisions as to district of trial were omitted as covered by sections 3237 and 3239 of this title.

Changes in phraseology and arrangement were made.

2002—Puspan. L. 107–273 designated first to fourth pars. as subsecs. (a) to (d), respectively, and, in subsecs. (c) and (d), inserted at end “If such a communication is addressed to a United States judge, a Federal law enforcement officer, or an official who is covered by section 1114, the individual shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both.”

1994—Puspan. L. 103–322, § 330021(2), substituted “kidnapped” for “kidnaped” in first par.

Puspan. L. 103–322, § 330016(1)(K), substituted “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $5,000” in first and second pars.

Puspan. L. 103–322, § 330016(1)(H), substituted “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $1,000” in third par.

Puspan. L. 103–322, § 330016(1)(G), substituted “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $500” in fourth par.

1970—Puspan. L. 91–375 substituted “Postal Service” for “Post Office Department” in two places in first par.

Amendment by Puspan. L. 91–375 effective within 1 year after Aug. 12, 1970, on date established therefor by Board of Governors of United States Postal Service and published by it in Federal Register, see section 15(a) of Puspan. L. 91–375, set out as an Effective Date note preceding section 101 of Title 39, Postal Service.