Whoever, being a citizen or subject of any foreign state, is found and taken on the sea making war upon the United States, or cruising against the vessels and property thereof, or of the citizens of the same, contrary to the provisions of any treaty existing between the United States and the state of which the offender is a citizen or subject, when by such treaty such acts are declared to be piracy, is a pirate, and shall be imprisoned for life.
Structure US Code
Title 18— CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
CHAPTER 81— PIRACY AND PRIVATEERING
§ 1651. Piracy under law of nations
§ 1654. Arming or serving on privateers
§ 1655. Assault on commander as piracy
§ 1656. Conversion or surrender of vessel
§ 1657. Corruption of seamen and confederating with pirates
§ 1658. Plunder of distressed vessel
§ 1659. Attack to plunder vessel