The Logan Act
A Law to Stop Unauthorized Diplomacy
A Brief Overview
The Logan Act is a United States federal law that prohibits unauthorized U.S. citizens from corresponding with foreign governments with the intent to influence their relations with the United States. Enacted in 1799, the law was intended to prevent private citizens from engaging in unauthorized diplomacy and potentially putting the United States in jeopardy.
The act has been invoked only a handful of times in its history, and its constitutionality has been questioned in recent years. However, it remains a significant law that can be used to prosecute individuals who attempt to interfere in U.S. foreign relations without proper authorization.
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