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Code · U.S. Code · Title 18 - CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE · CHAPTER 83— POSTAL SERVICE · § 1696

§ 1696. Private express for letters and packets

412 words·~2 min read·/usc/title-18/section-1696

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(a)This section shall not prohibit any person from receiving and delivering to the nearest post office, postal car, or other authorized depository for mail matter any mail matter properly stamped.
(b)Whoever transmits by private express or other unlawful means, or delivers to any agent thereof, or deposits at any appointed place, for the purpose of being so transmitted any letter or packet, shall be fined under this title.
(c)This chapter shall not prohibit the conveyance or transmission of letters or packets by private hands without compensation, or by special messenger employed for the particular occasion only. Whenever more than twenty-five such letters or packets are conveyed or transmitted by such special messenger, the requirements of section 601 of title 39, shall be observed as to each piece.
(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 777; Pub. L. 91–375, § 6(j)(14), Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 778; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, § 330016(1)(A), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2146.)
Historical and Revision Notes
Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., §§ 304, 306, 309 (Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 321, §§ 181, 183, 186, 35 Stat. 1123, 1124; June 22, 1934, ch. 716, 48 Stat. 1207).
Section consolidates sections 304, 306, and 309 of title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed. Reference to persons causing, procuring, aiding or assisting was omitted as such persons are principals under section 2 of this title.
Minor changes were made in phraseology.
Connections17 cite this · traces to 3
15 references not yet in our index
  • June 25, 1948, ch. 645
  • 62 Stat. 777
  • Pub. L. 91–375, § 6(j)(14)
  • 84 Stat. 778
  • Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, § 330016(1)(A)
  • 108 Stat. 2146
  • Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 321
  • 35 Stat. 1123
  • June 22, 1934, ch. 716
  • 48 Stat. 1207
  • Pub. L. 103–322
  • Pub. L. 91–375
  • section 500 of title 39
  • section 15(a) of Pub. L. 91–375
  • section 7 of Pub. L. 91–375
Citation graph
cites case law
§ 1696
Private express for letters and packets
Fed. Reg.×10
C.F.R.×4
U.S.C.×3
ActJune 25, 1948, ch. 645
Stat.62 Stat. 777
Pub. L.Pub. L. 91–375, § 6(j)(14)
Stat.84 Stat. 778
Pub. L.Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, § 330016(1)(A)
Cites 18 · showing 8Cited by 17 across 3 sources
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