NCJ Number
120579
Journal
American Criminal Law Review Volume: 26 Issue: 3 Dated: (Winter 1989) Pages: 1043-1067
Date Published
1989
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This article discusses how provisions of the Travel Act, P.L. 87-228, 75 Stat. 498 (1961), as amended, are used to prosecute unlawful organized crime activities such as extortion, bribery, arson, gambling, illegal sale of narcotics, and money laundering.
Abstract
The Travel Act defines unlawful activities and forbids travel or the use of interstate or foreign commerce facilities for carrying out these unlawful activities. Since it was passed in 1961, the Travel Act has been amended three times. The amendments and the rationale behind them is discussed in detail. Case law interpreting the intent and scope of the statute is discussed, and the three major elements of a Travel Act prosecution are identified. Defenses to an alleged Travel Act violation are discussed, and procedural issues regarding indictments, venue, and choice of law are analyzed. 241 footnotes.