Federal Anti-Bribery Law
Overview of Quid-Pro-Quo Corruption Offenses
Whenever things of value are offered to a public official, consideration should be given to the Federal criminal law provisions that concern bribery and illegal gratuities. Under the bribery law, 18 U.S. Code Section 210, a Federal official may not “corruptly” receive or solicit, and no one may corruptly offer or give, anything of value “in return for … being influenced in the performance of any official act.” The “corrupt” nature of the transaction is part of the required intent, which is characteristic of a “bribe.” This element of the offense — a corrupt agreement or bargain — has been…
