Us Code § 4218 - False certificate as to ownership of property

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 4218 — False certificate as to ownership of property, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 4218. False certificate as to ownership of property

If any consul or vice consul falsely and knowingly certifies that property belonging to foreigners is property belonging to citizens of the United States, he shall be punishable by imprisonment for not more than three years, and by a fine of not more than $10,000.

(R.S. §1737; Apr. 5, 1906, ch. 1366, §3, 34 Stat. 100.)


Editorial Notes

Codification

R.S. §1737 derived from act Feb. 22, 1803, ch. 9, §7, 2 Stat. 204.

References to "commercial agent" and "vice-commercial agent" were omitted in view of the abolition of the grade of commercial agent by act Apr. 5, 1906.

Section was not enacted as part of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 which comprises this chapter.

Section was formerly classified to section 1200 of this title, and prior thereto to section 104 of this title.

About This Section

22 U.S.C. § 4218 is part of Title 22 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 22 U.S.C. § 4218. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

Statutes are organized by title, chapter, section, and subsection. Pay attention to words like "shall," "may," "and," and "or," because they determine whether a requirement is mandatory or permissive and whether multiple conditions must all be met. Historical notes and amendments often appear at the end of a section.

Using This Page

This page is intended for research and educational use. Lawyers, students, journalists, and compliance professionals can use it as a starting point, but should always verify the current text through an official government source before relying on it for legal advice, filings, or compliance decisions.

Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 4218

What does United States Code § 4218 cover?

Section 4218 ("False certificate as to ownership of property") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 4218?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 4218" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 4218 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.